none of my programs start.

from WinCustomize Forums
hello, i'm new to the community and i came across this post: programs won't start while i was googling my problem. i tried following what was suggested in that post and nothing helped.

so my problem: none of my programs run. i'll click on it, get an hourglass for a second or two, and nothing. and i can't download anything either. i've tried to run numerous online virus scans and none of them work because any software or components downloaded won't run, so nothing works.

any help will be greatly appreciated, i'm desperate.
6,328 views 5 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top

If you can get to the run command line either in normal startup mode, or safe mode, you can perform a clean boot and add processes until you narrow down the issue.

Clean boot instructions: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353/en-us

Note - "Win-Key+R" brings up the run line.

Some programs may not load due to services being disabled, but many should start, especially "Notepad", etc.

Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
thanks for replying!! i tried that, and it wouldn't run. and since it won't run, i can't even get into safe mode. i think i'm just kind of screwed. thanks anyway
Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
and since it won't run, i can't even get into safe mode. i think i'm just kind of screwed


You should be able to enter safe mode by pressing [F8] when teh Windows logo shows at boot.
Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Dunno if this'll help or not, but if you can enter BOIS by pressing delete before anything loads and change boot sequence to your CD rom, put in you XP disc and do a system repair....not from the recovery console but the blue screen offering installation options. Select Repair option> press R and select the OS/drive you wish to repair.

Hope this helps..
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
thanks again for all your help! but i found out the problem without even getting to safe mode: zone alarms. i have the free version, and every once in awhile they let you try the pro version for 15 days. i had a feeling it was zone alarms pro, but when .exe wouldn't execute for any programs, i couldn't uninstall it to see. however, yesterday my trial ended and viola, today everything worked! crazy. but thanks again!