Haslett, Andrew
andrew.haslett at ilc.gov.au
Wed Feb 2 16:42:02 CST 2005
Perhaps explorer.exe has become slightly corrupt? Try running the System File Checker (sfc.exe) -> it replaces any corrupt system files. You'll probably need your original CD but its worth a try and it doesn't require a format! A -----Original Message----- From: dba-tech-bounces at databaseadvisors.com [mailto:dba-tech-bounces at databaseadvisors.com] On Behalf Of DJK(John) Robinson Sent: Thursday, 3 February 2005 7:11 AM To: 'Discussion of Hardware and Software issues' Subject: [dba-Tech] W2K won't explore/run things normally I have an old PC running Win2000 (fully up-to-date) and looking after my ADSL connection, running firewall, centralised anti-virus updates, etc. Occasionally something else, but mostly just these essentials. PC is on all the time, typically two weeks between reboots. It's suddenly become unhelpful - 1. trying to run programs via Start gives "Windows Explorer Unable to run this command" 2. Winkey+E (shortcut to run Explorer): "Access to the specified device, path, or file is denied." (I'm running as Administrator.) 3. Double-clicking on a file to invoke the associated program: no effect at all. (eg .txt to run notepad) 4. Very few system things in the Control Panel work: most give symptom 2 or 3 above. It's not just shortcuts, either. Locate notepad.exe itself and double click: nothing. BUT Winkey+R (to Run something) works fine! Explorer and all the rest - IF you know what to type in the Run window, eg compmgmt.msc /s Everything works OK in itself: I just can't run anything the normal way. Same after rebooting. And the services are all running fine: ADSL, ZA, Sophos, ... And nothing interesting in the Event Viewer. Did a full virus and spyware scan, to be on the safe side - nothing. Can't find anything useful on MSKB (and it's not Q172223). Just had a quick Google, but nothing useful so far. And no, I don't have a folder call "Program" on my C drive, nor am I trying to play an audio CD, ... Has anyone come across a problem like this? Or have any bright ideas? I strongly prefer to tackle and solve problems than give up and reformat, reinstall, etc. John _______________________________________________ dba-Tech mailing list dba-Tech at databaseadvisors.com http://databaseadvisors.com/mailman/listinfo/dba-tech Website: http://www.databaseadvisors.com IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ *** This email any any files transmitted with it are confidential and may contain information protected by law from disclosure. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete this email from your system. No warranty is given that this email or files, if attached to this email, are free from computer viruses or other defects. They are provided on the basis the user assumes all responsibility for loss, damage or consequence resulting directly or indirectly from their use, whether caused by the negligence of the sender or not.