Bizzare Computer Problem: I Cannot Install Any Programs.

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I've been having an issue lately with my main computer here. I can download programs but it will not let me install them.

I see the set up files in the FireFox download window that pops up when the download is finished, however when I double click on the file, nothing happens. I try to right click on it but 'open' and 'open file location' are both dimmed out. I can manually browse to the download directory but when I try to run them from there it says that I don't have permission to run that file, even if I right click and 'run as administrator'.

I am in my main account on the computer here (administrator). I don't know why this is happening. It just started recently. Do you guys have any ideas?

:ohwell:
 
Just save the installation file on your desktop restart you computer go to the safe mode and install from there.
 
That sounds like a good idea as a workaround, but I'd rather just have my computer act normal.
 
Which Operating System do you use, if you use Windows XP it is a Virus I know it because I had it several times too, only a format will help.
 
A computer is never wrong. :P You are missing Admin rights or more.

I would run an antivirus like housecall and try to remember when this all started. Something you did that day caused it.
 
One trick can be to do a system restore or you may have to try this...
Show hidden files


Follow these steps to display hidden files and folders.

  • Open Folder Options by clicking the Start button , clicking Control Panel, clicking Appearance and Personalization, and then clicking Folder Options.
  • Click the View tab.
  • Under Advanced settings, click Show hidden files and folders, and then click OK

    Also take ownership of a file in Vista. First you have to select the file you want to take ownship of. From there right click and select properties. You get this screen:



    From here select the security tab.


    Click the Advanced button.


    Now click the Owner Tab.


    From here you click Edit
    Now you select the User Account you want to give the permission to. Then click Apply. A message will pop up telling you that if you have just taken ownership you have to close and reopen the objects properties before you can view or change properties again. Clikc okay and get back to the Computer screen. You should now have full authority to do what you wish with that file. I hope this helps.
  • PS type %temp% into the search box in the start menu... this will take you to the temp folder delete everything in there! ie shift+delete
 
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Thanks guys for the suggestions.

I ran Spybot anti-spyware, AVG anti-virus, and Malwarebytes anti-malware. They all found stuff. However my problem remains.

Here's the error I get when I try to run an exe file: Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file. You may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item.

I even went in and made sure I had ownership of the file, and I do. I'm ready to just go out and buy a new computer - lol. This one had a good run anyways.
 
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Here is a twist:
Check your processes one by one. Google them. (crtl+alt+del)
Check the programs that start when you boot up. You don't need most of them...
Check for viruses using some Linux Distro like Puppy or whatever, you need to get an antivirus and if not used to Linux you might be better off using some live CD like Mint or so and installing the antivirus using the package manager. Linux doesn't know any real viruses but it has an antivirus base to check windows programs.
If all fails: Run the recovery disk.
Also, some anti virus programs have their own boot disk circumventing any Windows limitations... If your PC boots from USB it doesn't even cost you a cd to try that.

A virus shouldn't be a reason to buy a new computer, it is like buying a new one because your HDD fails lol.
 
Actually, ignore my former post: Malwarebytes is the way to go. :)
This virus seems to have multiple names with the same effect.

The booze is taking over though, but I should have googled your problem earlier, my bad.

EDIT: Check for additional accounts too...
re-edit: You seem to have gotten infected by running the Windows updates. How nice...
 
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