[SOLVED] Problem Opening Programs

5052 Views 9 Replies 3 Participants Last post by bkirton489, Apr 4, 2011

bkirton489

Discussion Starter · Apr 3, 2011

Hi, I'm currently running windows vista and it seems like I have come across a problem. Everything was normal until I recently updated my Avast anti virus and Firfox. I'm not sure if I have picked up a bug or if this is a registry problem..

My problem is that whenever I startup and try and open certain programs such as Itunes, Firfox, Spybot, etc. they won't physically open... I checked task manager and they all show up under my processes but still no program. It seems like internet explorer is working fine, hence the fact I'm able to post this problem.

I have tried system restore to before these updates happened but still no solution to my problem.

Any help would be much appreciated...
Cheers.

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TheGift73

· #2 · Apr 3, 2011

Re: Problem Opening Programs

See if this helps?
Window Key+R and type MSCONFIG and hit OK.
Under 'Services tab', tick 'Hide all Microsoft Services' and then uncheck the remaining programs and 'Apply'
Then under 'Startup tab' - Uncheck anything not Microsoft related then 'Apply' and OK

Then reboot and see if that helps. Trying to see if a program or something else may be interfering.

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bkirton489

Discussion Starter · #3 · Apr 3, 2011

Re: Problem Opening Programs

Thanks for the fast reply.

Just did everything you said, started up fine. I was able to open more programs such as itunes, internet explorer but still wasn't able to open firefox. I just reinstalled it and seems to be working fine now.. Which programs should I retick for my startup?

Something still isnt right though, any suggestion on any scans or fixes I could run to see if theres further problems? and also would you suggest using avast? or is it going to mess with my system further?

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TheGift73

· #4 · Apr 3, 2011 (Edited)

Re: Problem Opening Programs

Definitely sounds like a program causing the issue. My first program that I would look at is the anti-virus as you said that it first occurred after an update. Go back into msconfig and under 'Services' and 'Startup' tabs recheck the Avast boxes and then reboot. Having said that, if all programs are opening correctly then it may have been Firefox (unlikely, but could have been a corrupt install) and not your anti-virus. Best to check it anyway just to be sure.

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bkirton489

Discussion Starter · #5 · Apr 3, 2011

Re: Problem Opening Programs

I ticked avast and it seems to have started fine. Any other suggestions to double check to make sure everything is fine?

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TheGift73

· #6 · Apr 3, 2011

Re: Problem Opening Programs

Recheck them all back (you don't actually have to as the Microsoft ones were hidden, so they will still start as normal, and the anti-virus is also now starting on boot which is important) and see if everything is still OK.
If everything is OK then it would point to Firefox being at fault, which you have rectified by re-installing it.
Incidentally, you do only have one anti-virus running on the machine correct?

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bkirton489

Discussion Starter · #7 · Apr 3, 2011

Re: Problem Opening Programs

would spybot conflict with avast?

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TheGift73

· #8 · Apr 3, 2011

Re: Problem Opening Programs

No, it shouldn't as Spybot is anti-malware/ spyware and Avast is an anti-virus. I have a few different anti-malware programs on my machine. As long as there is only 1 anti-virus then that's OK.

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Daifne

· #9 · Apr 4, 2011

Re: Problem Opening Programs

Is Firefox the only program that won't open now?
Has it opened since you upgraded it?

I'm thinking that your profile may be corrupted and needs to be replaced with a new one.

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bkirton489

Discussion Starter · #10 · Apr 4, 2011

Re: Problem Opening Programs

I reinstalled firefox and it seems to be working fine now.
Thanks heaps for the help!

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