Annoying warning window

Any time I try to to address any program, command etc which involves the Internet a warning message window appears: "Windows can not find ( whatever I asked for ) Make sure you typed the name correctly and try again. To search for a file, click the Start button and click Search "
But after a few seconds (sometimes as much as 15) the command is executed so the warning has no effect. But it is certainly very annoying.
Windows XP SP2 also using Mozilla Firefox

 

Hi, charlesh.

Microsoft KB837334: You receive an error message when you try to start a program that has an .exe file name extension

Have you scanned your computer for malware? If so, what scanners did you use?

Microsoft offers a suggested resolution in that page which involves editing the Registry. You might be best to wait for other people to weigh in with their ideas before proceeding with the information I linked.



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DISCLAIMER/CAUTION: Editing/cleaning/repairing your computer's registry is potentially dangerous. You might render your computer unstable or even unbootable. Before you edit/clean/repair your registry with any method, be sure you make a backup of your registry and you know how to access and use that backup in case you muck up your computer.

If you decide to manually edit your registry, then be sure you are comfortable with editing the registry and I suggest you save a backup of at least the section you edit ahead of time in case you need/want to reverse your changes. Editing the registry can produce serious undesirable consequences if done incorrectly.

In any case, you should know ahead of time how to restore your original registry settings and prepare to do so in case the need arises.

• MVPS.org (Ramesh's Site): How to backup the Windows XP Registry?
• Microsoft KB322756: How to back up and restore the registry in Windows XP and Windows Vista
• Symantec: Backing up the Windows registry

I also suggest you create a System Restore point before making any changes (regardless of what method you use). System Restore may be accessed as follows.

• Click Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore

Microsoft KB306084: How to restore the operating system to a previous state in Windows XP
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