Windows Vista Cannot start programs from Desktop icons or All Programs

click on a desktop icon
I also can't run any programs. example: malwarebytes.
I downloaded exe fix but I get the same popup message.

The popup tells me the parameter is incorrect.

When I was trying to take care of the problem I went into the computer/properties/secutity area. I don't know how I did it but I removed Special permissions and don't know how to return it. I have all other boxes ticked. I think my problems are in this area somewhere

My IE icon is in the quick launch. No problem opening IE

 

There might a problem with User Account Control. It is under Control Panel -> User Accounts. Try turning it off, or if it is off, turn it back on. The system is set to run with UAC turned on, so just turn it off for purposes of isolating the problem.

Have you had infections with malware? Did your antimalware programs try to remove infections?

Tell us exactly what the pop-ups say (for two or three of the programs you are trying to open). At the top left-hand corner of the box it should say what program is opening the error pop-up box, what program is it?

Matt

 

Turned UAC on. Had no effect on my problem.
I ran malwarebytes in Safe Mode and everything was clean.

Unable to open this Internet Shortcut. The protocol "http" does not have a registered program.

The parameter is incorrect.

Microsoft Excel for Windows has stopped working. Close the program.

C:\ is not accessible. Access is denied.

.

 

Does opening programs (icons and All Programs) work in Safe Mode? You say you could run Malwarebytes there. Can you open/run Excel there?

Without asking too many more questions, if the answer to those questions above are yes, programs can run in Safe Mode, you can try two things.

• Go to Start (orb), in the Start Search bar, type in msconfig and open msconfig.exe. Go to the Startup tab and uncheck all the boxes. Restart the computer and test it. If it works correctly, go back to msconfig and put a check in one or two of the boxes at a time (starting with your Antimalware) and restart the computer until you isolate the problem.
• Do a clean boot
  How to troubleshoot a problem by performing a clean boot in Windows Vista or in Windows 7

Matt

 

Matt- Thanks for jumping in. I reinstalled my Vista. Everything is fine now.