Problem with .exe files (+rep)

[lPinoy]

*not sure if this is the correct section but

Everytime I open a .exe file, a message pops up saying:

"This file does not have a program associated with performing this action. Please install a program or, if one is already, create an assocation in the Default Programs control panel."

And, yes I have tried using google. I have tried using this: www.winhelponline.com%2Fexefix_xp.com to no avail and when I access the registry editor where I'm supposed to look for this:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT \ exefile \ shell \ open \ command

I click on shell and I get this:

shell cannot be opened.
An error is preventing this key from being opened.
Details: Access is denied.

There are 3 users/accounts on this laptop and all of them are having the same problem and the account I'm using is not the adminstrative user, if that helps.

+rep to any help
Thanks

[lPinoy]

I've also got google redirecting to other sites/advertisements and when I turn off my computer, it switches to a blue screen and just restarts.

Any ideas how to fix any of this? |-)

[Stephen]

if google is redirecting to advertisements etc then you sir have a virussss

[Recursion]

Backup, format, reinstall.

[Jack!]

Defiantly a virus, If you cant run .exe's, and are blocked from everything, As said above. Backup, format, reinstall.

[Oleh]

That is a bad virus, i had it once, tried every method of removal. Decided to format instead.

[ChristopherH]

Boot Into Safe Mode (With Netoworking)

Download ComboFix, dubble click and let it run.

restart and you should be good for now.

[Chippiewill]

dban, reinstall, profit.

[lPinoy]

Forgot about this thread, lol.

Thanks for all the help, I'll give all of the other methods a try and if all else fails, I'll backup, format, reinstall... +rep.

[Recursion]

dban, reinstall, profit.

If you want to waste your life away in this scenario