.msc files not valid win32 applications

Hello folks,

I know there are some similar threads to this, but I couldn't find one with exactly the same problem as mine.

The fact is that I have several .msc files which have somehow been modified 2 years ago. When attempting to fix another problem (wireless connection not working - unable to scan for networks) I went to open services.msc in the Admin Tools of the Control Panel. I received the following error message:

C:\Windows\System32\services.msc is not a valid Win32 application

After some time, I noticed that there were three others that had apparently been modified 2 years ago, whereas the remainder hadn't been modified since I got the computer. When attempting to run them I received a similar message to above, the affected tools (along with services) are: Computer Management; Reliability and Performance; Windows Firewall with Advanced Security.

These are not the only .msc files to produce an error message. Attempting to open Device Manager from the system window is greeted with the following message:

C:\Windows\System32\devmgmt.msc
The file does not have a program associated with it for performing this action. Create an association in the Set Associations control panel.

Attempting to open Device Manager in the control panel is greeted with:

EXPLORER.EXE
is not a valid Win32 application

Any help on this would be greatly appreciated. I can usually deal with pretty basic tech troubles but this one appears to be way over my head!

Cheers,
Gordon

Well, I read that you can type runas /user:ComputerName\LocalAdmin "mmc.exe services.msc" into the run box as an alternative however I think that we need to fix your problem. From the start menu go to command line (under accessories) right click on it and select run as administrator. Type in the box sfc /scannow. Also run a malware scan. Have you tried safe mode to see if you get the same thing?

Hi Townsbg,

Thanks for your reply, sorry for taking a while to get back to you. The problems still occur under safe mode, and unfortunately a system restore unearthed a further issue. I was told:

System Restore did not complete successfully. Your computer’s system files and settings were not changed.


Details: The Volume Shadow Copy service used by system restore is not working. For more information view the event log. (0x81000202)

Where can I find this to view the details?



I ran scannow, which said:



Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them.
Details are included in the CBS log.

I then tried to open the CBS log, but received the message 'Access Denied!' Strange, as I am the administrator of the computer...


I've also discovered a further issue, which may or may not be related. For the past few days, on start-up, I have a window which says:



msnmsgr.exe – Bad Image
C:\Windows\system32\es.dll is either not designed to run on windows or it contains an error> Try installing the program again using the original installation media or contact your system administrator or the software vendor for support.


I have performed a scan with HijackThis, and perhaps it will be of help. View attachment hijackthis_log14102011.txt




Thanks very much for your help!


Gordon

Have you tried a restore under safe mode?

Hi again,

Sorry for taking so long to reply. I finally got round to trying a restore under safe mode. The restore worked, although the unfortunately it seems to have changed the nature of the problem. Now, when I attempt to access 'Services' I get an error from Microsoft Management Console saying 'Class not registered'.

Hope you can help,

Thanks,

Gordon