Solved program files not opening properly

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penguina08

New Member
About a week ago my computer got a virus which resulted in the security center not opening. After running malware to get rid of the virus I ended up having to use system restore. I restored to a week or two prior and it seemed to fix the problem. However, I soon began noticing new problems. When I open a program, either from the desktop or start menu, a window would pop up asking how to open it. I had to select the program from program files to open just about anything. A problem I have been coming across is not all programs listed in my start menu are the same as the ones listed in program files. A lot of them occur in one but not the other, making it difficult to open much. I tried using Skype yesterday and it gave me a window saying it couldn't find the file and didn't give me the option of another way to open it. I tried redownloading Skype, and it couldn't find a program to open the download with. My computer is starting to run slower and act really confused. I was going to attempt another system restore but the program file is not showing up to open backup and restore. Please help!

Thanks,
Liz
 

My Computer

System One

Hello, system restore rarely cures a virus infection as it usually will get in the restore points also. You should start over with cleaning up the malware, then when clean , make a new restore point and discard any others, but for now, you will need to start the process of cleaning up the computer. Most common malware lately is Zero Access which has a rootkit involved. You will need one on one advice from a Malware removal Expert to actually get cleaned up .
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Emachine ET 1161-05
    CPU
    AMD Athlon 64 LE-1640
    Motherboard
    eMachines MCP61PM-GM (Socket AM2 )
    Memory
    2.00 GB Dual-Channel DDR2 @ 387MHz (6-6-6-18)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Acer E181H (1280x768@60Hz) 128MB GeForce 6150SE nForce 430 (
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Name Acer E181H on NVIDIA GeForce 6150SE nForce 430
    Screen Resolution
    1280x768 pixels
    Hard Drives
    ST316081 5AS SCSI Disk Device
    PSU
    MCP61PM-GM 9000 NVIDIA Chipset Model MCP61 Chipset Revisio
    Case
    Tower
    Cooling
    Fan Speed 1247 RPM
    Keyboard
    Standard PS/2 Keyboard
    Mouse
    PS/2 Compatible Mouse
    Internet Speed
    http://www.speedtest.net/result/1538974261.png
Welcome
It sounds like the malware caused problems with your associations. Why not try the suggestions in this tutorial and see if it solves your problem

I would start, here:
Try to reset the exe and lnk (LNK) associations.
Default File Type Associations - Restore

If that does not work, post, and you will be helped by one of our Malware experts.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS420
    Memory
    6 gig
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD3650 256 MB
    Sound Card
    Intergrated 7.1 Channel Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell SP2009W 20 inch Flat Panel w Webcam
    Hard Drives
    640 gb
    Cooling
    Fan
    Keyboard
    Dell USB
    Mouse
    Dell USB 4 button optical
    Other Info
    DSL provided by ATT
richard,
thank you so much for the help. the problem seems to be fixed, but I'm worried my malware and other virus protection isn't fully taking care of the problem if things keep happening. any further suggestions to ensure the virus is gone?
 

My Computer

System One

If I had a virus problem this is what I would do.
I would think back to when it started then go back a week before with System Restore. A little known fact, is that System Restore is made in such a way that its contents cannot be changed by a virus. Make sure that you go back far enough or your problem will persist.
In the event of very serious virus (that would remain unless formatted and the Operating System reinstalled) the restore trick will not work.
To determine if there is any virus or malware problem after the restore, run a full anti virus scan (make sure that you update it first and make a full scan) Then downlad and run a full and updated scan with malwarebytes. If negative you are ok.
In addition to the above.
I would use a good (can be free) anti virus, such as Microsoft Security Essentials to protect my computer in real time and run a scan once a week with Malwarebytes and use a good firewall.
The one piece that is rarely mentioned is common sense. We all know the sites that we should not enter (LOL they are the ones that we most want to view) and the ones that may be a problem.
Good luck my friend and happy holidays to you.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS420
    Memory
    6 gig
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD3650 256 MB
    Sound Card
    Intergrated 7.1 Channel Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell SP2009W 20 inch Flat Panel w Webcam
    Hard Drives
    640 gb
    Cooling
    Fan
    Keyboard
    Dell USB
    Mouse
    Dell USB 4 button optical
    Other Info
    DSL provided by ATT
OK The best thing you can do is go to HouseCall - Free Online Virus Scan - Trend Micro USA what HOUSE CALL does is it scans your computer remotley Trend Micro Anti Virus company scans youre computer with their servers to check it for viruses! Its a tool you can download for free!

I recommend you get Trend Micro Anti Virus + Anti Spyware software you can buy at your local Computer Store or on Trend Micro's website.

Good luck!
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    None
    CPU
    AMD
    Motherboard
    AMD
    Memory
    AMD
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI
    Sound Card
    Turtle Beach
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LG
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