So, for the last couple day, I've been experiencing a problem on my PC running XP. Let me fill you in on the details:
I was browsing (with Firefox) and I saw, without warning, the Sun Microsystems logo pop up. Now I knew this was not of my own doing, so I shut down the processes immediately and ran Malewarebytes and AVG. It didn't work. I did the safemode thing, fully updated my "anti-hell" programs, and ran them ALL again. They worked... to some extent.
They cleared the cause, but left the result: when opening an application (.exe) the file association "open with" dialog box popped up. This happened with shortcuts, actual executables, and anything I tried from the RUN dialog, even through the task manager.
I was able to open firefox, though only through existing stored pages. When searching for this problem, I was only able to get to the links provided by saving the pages on the desktop and clicking them. Anything else resulted in a re-direct or the aforementioned open-with dialog box. I tried everything I could think of, even a here-to-for untried .exe regfix.
After much searching (through my own scans, not the internet. Actually the last helpful post I found from 2 days ago from another experiencing this told me that the problem was still being investigated by the guys at MalwareBytes) I discovered something: The problem kept originating from the "username"/documents portion of XP. That lead me to think that it might be localized to a specific user. And you know what? I was right!
Here's the workaround: boot to safemode, log-in administrator. Run MalwareBytes to get rid of any remaining remnants (also, any other up-to-date AV you have just to be safe,) access account management settings, delete the affected account (choosing to safe personal files,) and create a new one. THAT DID IT FOR ME! I still had to set the preferences to what I like again, and the saved files where in the admin directory, but I was able to restore functionality without a total reinstall (oh what fun!)
I'm posting this on every site/forum I have access to, so hopefully it will help someone else. If you have any info to add...
PLEASE DO!!!!!!!!
I was browsing (with Firefox) and I saw, without warning, the Sun Microsystems logo pop up. Now I knew this was not of my own doing, so I shut down the processes immediately and ran Malewarebytes and AVG. It didn't work. I did the safemode thing, fully updated my "anti-hell" programs, and ran them ALL again. They worked... to some extent.
They cleared the cause, but left the result: when opening an application (.exe) the file association "open with" dialog box popped up. This happened with shortcuts, actual executables, and anything I tried from the RUN dialog, even through the task manager.
I was able to open firefox, though only through existing stored pages. When searching for this problem, I was only able to get to the links provided by saving the pages on the desktop and clicking them. Anything else resulted in a re-direct or the aforementioned open-with dialog box. I tried everything I could think of, even a here-to-for untried .exe regfix.
After much searching (through my own scans, not the internet. Actually the last helpful post I found from 2 days ago from another experiencing this told me that the problem was still being investigated by the guys at MalwareBytes) I discovered something: The problem kept originating from the "username"/documents portion of XP. That lead me to think that it might be localized to a specific user. And you know what? I was right!
Here's the workaround: boot to safemode, log-in administrator. Run MalwareBytes to get rid of any remaining remnants (also, any other up-to-date AV you have just to be safe,) access account management settings, delete the affected account (choosing to safe personal files,) and create a new one. THAT DID IT FOR ME! I still had to set the preferences to what I like again, and the saved files where in the admin directory, but I was able to restore functionality without a total reinstall (oh what fun!)
I'm posting this on every site/forum I have access to, so hopefully it will help someone else. If you have any info to add...
PLEASE DO!!!!!!!!