File extension .EXE is damaged

I'm a newbie to this forum and not well versed with computers and I'm hoping someone can help me. I have a Sony Vaio with Windows XP and recently anytime I try to open a program from my desktop I get and ERROR message Application not found. I also get the message "Windows unable to open your program because the file extension .EXE is damaged" when I try to open it through programs. Does my computer have a virus? Is there hope?

 

Welcome to WindowsBBS

It does sound like your computer may have some kind of infection.

Recommend reading this post and then posting the requested log(s) in our Malware and Virus Removal forum.

 

Hi clueless, Welcome to BBS. This link may help. Unable to open a File with .exe

You Are Unable to Start a Program with an .exe File Extension

Also, please take the time to fill in your "System Details ". Go to USERCP and enter your info and scroll to the bottom and SAVE before you exit. Cheers Neil.

 

If you do not feel comfortable editing the registry, get the 'Exe File Association Fix'.
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/file_assoc.htm

 

OK thanks MarkP62. I got exefix and that helped! At least now I can run programs..Now I can do the other things suggested. I will run the programs and post logs....

 

How are you:
Your problem solving method
1: your computer already poisoning, EXE file damage 80% damage due to viruses
2: your EXE file is damaged