Unable to run any programs except for IE 64bit

khmerspec · ‎01-25-2012

I noticed this issue 1/21/2012 when I was trying to play a movie on the laptop. I know that the week prior, there was no issues because I was able to use Microsoft Word.

Here is the problem:

The laptop turns on, and logs in just fine. The issue starts when trying to open any programs, it simply dosen't work with the exception of IE 64bit.

Not all of the startup programs load up either, including NIS.

It is unable to read any disc; I've tried putting my NIS disc and reinstall, but that didn't work.

I am unable to open links through IE, so I am unable to download anything.

I am hoping that someone would be able to help me find a solution to this problem. I do not want to reformat, because there are over 4 years of pictures and videos saved on the laptop.

The laptop is running Win 7 Home editon 64bit.

SUBASH_PRABU · ‎05-31-2011

Hi

Can you give us more info:

What's happening when you try to open a program? (any error message)

Did Norton removed any Viruses or threats from your Computer?

Did you installed or using any Registry cleaning Softwares?

khmerspec · ‎01-25-2012

No error messages when trying to open a program. I just dosen't happen. The mouse icon would change, like when you first open a program, but then nothing happens.

The last time I ran Norton was a few weeks ago, and there wasn't anything major found. Since I noticed the problem, Norton does not open whatsoever.

No, I did not install anything. I do not use the laptop much, except for school or surfing the web. The only other person who uses the machine is my wife, and she did not either.

SUBASH_PRABU · ‎05-31-2011

What happens when you try to open the Programs from Start menu->All programs/Programs?

Atomic_Blast · ‎09-05-2011

Hi khmerspec:

Welcome to the Norton Community!

Have you tried booting into Safe Mode with Networking Support and testing overall functionality?

See this .. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Start-your-computer-in-safe-mode

Please let us know.

Thanks,

Atomic_Blast :)

"Every day is just another increment on the bell curve of life."

khmerspec · ‎01-25-2012

I just tired to boot into safe mode, but instead of starting as it would normally, I get a "startup repair" window.

At the moment, Window is attempting to fix the problems automatically. Will update as soon as it is finished.

UPDATE:

startup repair was unable to repair the computer automatically.

Atomic_Blast · ‎09-05-2011

Hi khmerspec:

This is a delicate situation.

I know how to approach this technically but the forum is not the best venue, IMHO.

The best approach would be to contact the vendor where the system was purchased and speak to their technical support. The safety of your data is paramount. After the problem is corrected, feel free to post back here and we can help you with the reinstall of NIS should it become necessary or any other NIS related configuration issues.

Let us know how you do in any case. Keep in mind that malware is always a possibility.

Respectfully,

Atomic_Blast :)

"Every day is just another increment on the bell curve of life."

huwyngr · ‎04-13-2008

khmer,

If you follow Atomic Blasts suggestion of contacting tech support at the laptop manufacturer just be careful that if they say run the Restore to Factory Condition mode that this will destroy all your data and installed programs that did not come with the laptop originally.

I mention this because it is unfortunately often the solution suggested by tech support online or in stores because it is easy and reasonably certain to succeed.

Personally I would first run Malwarebytes Free version in a full scan and see if it reported any malware that may have triggered this .... but I don't know what was in AB's mind when he said he knew what to do -- if he's thinking quad like then Bleeping Computer might be the best place?

Hugh

Atomic_Blast · ‎09-05-2011

Hi khmerspec:

I agree with huwyngr. Please don't perform anything remedial unless all of your data is first in a safe place.

There are certain ways of gaining entry to the filesystem for doing that and also checking for malware.

Get a couple of opinions from reputable sources on all the risks involved so you know what to expect.

Atomic_Blast :)

"Every day is just another increment on the bell curve of life."

khmerspec · ‎01-25-2012

Hp wasn't any help.

So I just got an idea this morning. Install windows on my 2nd drive. Run that. Install norton. Run scan.

Scanning at the moment. So we'll see how this goes. Hopefully NIS can pick up whatever it is and squash it.

I just realized that I can run programs again like this... What can I use to retrieve my cd keys? I have microsoft office 07 installed, as well as photoshop.