Windows 7 .EXE files not associated with explorer (or something)

[Robert Costello]

Hey there,

I foolishly agreed to help my boss get some malware off his daughter's laptop, specifically Win 7 Antimalware 2011. I managed to get rid of it using Spyware Doctor but now when I click on any .exe it goes to the "open with" window. If I right click and open as administrator it opens as normal.

I found this: Broken EXE Association
But there is no specific info for Win 7.

I'm guessing a registry entry is missing or messed up but would love more info before I start poking around in there. Thanks in advance.

Just say no, kids.

-Windows 7 Home Premium
-64-bit
-Toshiba Satellite L500-19X
-Pentium Dual-Core T4300 - 2.1GHz
-4GB RAM

 

[Trouble]

Probably the safest thing to try first would be a restore point prior to the issue first occurring. This should get your registry values back to where they were at that point. Assuming that you have tried and exhausted this route. Then you may find this article helpful
Fix or Restore Broken .EXE .LNK .COM Association Caused by Virus | Raymond.CC Blog
or perhaps this one
Link Removed - Invalid URL
I have noted that some people have reported success using one or the other of those two resources. Of course manually create a current restore point before attempting or applying any registry repairs or fixes.
Also consider following up what you've already been able to accomplish with Spyware Doctor by running Spybot S&D as well as MBAM , download, install, update signatures, boot into safemode and fun both, removing anything they find.
Hope this helps and keep us posted.
Good Luck
Randy

 

[Robert Costello]

Thanks for the help. System restore worked, I hadn't tried running it as administrator yet.

 

[Trouble]

Good work, that's excellent news. Glad to hear that you were able to resolve your problem and thanks for posting back with the update to your thread. Welcome to the forums and we hope to continue to see you around.
Good luck
Randy