Solved I need some expert advice, aftermath of vista security center

[echard77]

I was able to run Ad-Aware and get rid of this vista false virus/spyware program. however when i go to click system restore, internet explorer quick launch, windows live messenger, yahoo messenger, well to make this list short, basically any installed programs or system tools, it prompts me to select a program to open these applications with. of course normally they would just open right up, but now this is all i get. i need to be able to use these again for school and what not. i tried re=installing them seeing if that was the problem, but when it came time to run the instalation wizard, it just prompted me to pick a program to run it. i hope this is a clear enough description of what is going on, and i appreciate all the help you guys will provide. thanks alot!

oh and one more thing, when i restart, and reboot with F8, instead of taking me to the system recovery center, it takes me to a user name sign in page, and i can not go any further. just a side not, this one is no big deal. but it has been like this for awhile

 

[americancritic]

Hello and welcome to the forum.

First do NOT !!! use your system restore points after any kind of virus or malware as you will reinfect your system again. I would like you to do the following first.

1. Run a full up-dated virus scan using your Anti-Virus software

2. Run a full scan using mlawarebytes here is the link free version...
Malwarebytes

We need to make sure you have no virus or Malware in your system before we begin to diagnos your system. Thank you and post back as soon as you have done the following.

 

[echard77]

well like i said i was able to run a full ad aware scan, and i just download malware bytes and a few other anti malware programs onto a usb drive to download to my computer. the only problem with that is when i went to open malware bytes or avg it still prompted me to choose a program to run the file, when it would usually just run it automatically. with this happening i can not run any other scans, nor can i use any of my programs or anything. i need help on how i can get back to using my downloaded programs (itunes, msn messenger, yahoo messenger, skype, etc) without being prompted to choose a program to find/run the program

 

[americancritic]

Hello

Can you tell me if you have the full version of vista or do you have the factory recover disks...

 

[echard77]

to be honest with you, i bought this computer about 3 and a half years ago, i know, its older, but it still works perfectly. so whatever vista system that came installed with it. and the disks, i would have no clue where they were. is there anything i can do so i can open these programs again? im having problems with the .exe extension files. ive never had this problem, and i hope it is self fixable.

 

[kesume]

Hi welcome,
Could you please tell us the exact Model Number & Make of your computer please, plus what sort of vista is it?
Vista Basic, Premium etc., also is it 32 or 64bit.
Thank you.

 

[echard77]

yes i sure can, im having problems finding all this info for you guys, so where do i find all of this?

 

[americancritic]

Hello I don't know how far in you can go but to check your system stats do the following

Click Start
Right click computer
Click properties
that should take you where you need to be to find your system info.

You best bet is to only use malwarebytes, to many and they can cause problems.

 

[kesume]

If you are unable to find them in your computer.
Look underneath at the bottom of the computer if it's a Laptop.
Desk top usually some basic info front face, and back of computer.

 

[echard77]

right clicking on computer did not work, it would not take me to properties when i clicked on it. however i was able to find the information. i am running windows vista home premium, service pack 1, and 32 bit OS...it also listed my computer info so i will list that, if u need more info about the computer please let me know. computer info is as follows...type-Gateway, Model number-GT5438 Intel Core processer 4300 @ 1.80 GHz, 2 GB RAM. hope that is what you need, please let me know, and thank you so much

 

[americancritic]

Hello are you able to boot to safe mode if so follow these instrctions...

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/123496-safe-mode.html

The followings are for a system restore which is different from a factory restore, if we can get you a system restore then you won't lose and files, documents,, etc. Try reading these tutorials and see what will work the best. You can make a set of recovery disks from someone elses computer...

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/141820-create-recovery-disc.html

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/194765-system-recovery-options.html

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/66971-system-restore.html

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/76905-system-restore-how.html

 

[echard77]

rebooted in safe mode, and still was not able to run system restore. it still prompted me to choose a program to run the .exe file with. what do i have to do to get the process of running .exe programs back?

 

[ilikefree]

ADAWARE is not an antivirus program we would recommend to clean up a virus infection with.
Use MalwareBytes,Super-Anti-Spyware,and Microsoft Security Essentials, or Avast,or even Avira

 

[echard77]

thats all fine and good, and if i could i would run malware bytes. but i can not run programs on my computer anymore. i have malware bytes and AVG. no matter what i do, either download, or try to open them, the programs i have on my computer do not open. they prompt me to choose a program to run the .exe extension. what i am needing is help restoring whatever it was that ran the .exe extensions. thanks

 

[echard77]

guys i need serious help with this. i cant even do my school work, due to whatever happened to my computer telling me my microsoft office programs do not exist, and i can not re download them because of the afore mentioned .exe extension problem. i can not run system restore, i can not re boot in F8, does not take me to the system restore page. i can not re install these apps, or programs becasue whatever it was that opened .exe extensions crapped out, or got corrupt or what not. please somebody help. i have no other computers capable of doing my school work and all that.

 

[americancritic]

Hello we are in the process of talking to some of the software experts at this time and they will have to read what is going on and then they can answer those questions so please hold on a little longer while we get someone who knows software issues...

 

[kesume]

The above post by americancritic is quite right.
Without at this time being able to gain any info from your computer.
Also the previous mention of virus plus the .EXE files?
Please this link will give you an idea of the .exe part:-
Find Windows EXE, Executable Files Information | ParetoLogic
Thank you please try and be patient.

 

[americancritic]

computer info is as follows...type-Gateway, Model number-GT5438 Intel Core processer 4300 @ 1.80 GHz, 2 GB RAM. hope that is what you need, please let me know, and thank you so much

Just bring the specs closer for others to see.

 

[americancritic]

Hello do you have someone you know so you can use there computer to make recovery disks and a boot disk...

 

[echard77]

off the top of my head i do not know anyone who would be able to help me. most of the people i know have more screwed up computers then me. and sorry about the impatience. i just noticed a few people asking me the same things over and over. believe me i appreciate everything you guys have done so far. im just at my whits end because normally i can fix anything wrong with my computer. so this problem is getting the better of me