Re: redit is not a valid win32application?

Tech Tip: Click here to run a free scan for Windows Errors and optimize PC performance

Driveby wrote:
"Kerry Brown" wrote:

Driveby wrote:
"Kerry Brown" wrote:

Driveby wrote:
Hi guys. I am running XP Pro with the latest SP2 updates.

I have a problem that has recently surfaced. If I attempt to run
regedit. It will not run - and creates the error message:
"regedit is not a valid win32 application". Any ideas what may be
wrong?

If I try to run regedt32.exe - that runs fine.I believe this is
just an emergency editor though?
Has one of my kids deleted or disabled something they shouldn't?
Can I put the error right?
Norton AV scans the computer as being clean BTW as does adaware
and spybot, so I don't think I am virused
Thanks...........

Regedt32.exe is just a shell that runs regedit.exe for backwards
compatibilty with Windows 2000. This means that there may be an
extra copy of regedit on your system. Some malware may cause these
symptoms. Regedit.exe is normally in your C:\Windows folder. Look
to see if there any files called regedit.com or regedit.bat or
regedit.cmd in the Windows folder. Make sure the regedit.exe file
is from Microsoft. In Windows Explorer browse to the Windows
folder and hover the mouse cursor over regedit.exe. You should see
a box with the Company Name and file version etc.

Kerry


Thanks for the reply, Kerry.

The regedit file is located within the windows folder and it IS the
Microsoft version, properties state it is version: 5.1.2600.2180
(xpsp_sp2_rtm.040803-2158).

I now find that if I double click the Regedit folder itself - it
actuallyopens the registry editor as it should, so I guess that bit
must be OK.

BUT, If I try to open it from the Run window located on the start
menu - it gives me the error message as previously described.

Any ideas please?

What happens if you type the full path in the run window? e.g.
C:\Windows\regedit.exe Then try C:\Windows\regedit without the .exe
Report back with the results.

Kerry


LOL - This is so weird - it runs fine when I do that. Either
C:\Windows\regedit or C:\Windows\regedit .exe opens the registry as
it should

It used to run by just entering "regedit" in the same window - maybe
Microsoft have just updated things?

You have another copy of a program called regedit.??? somewhere. This is
usually malware of some sort. Do a search for "regedit" making sure in the
advanced options you have it set to search hidden and system folders. The
legitimate files are:

regedit.exe in the Windows folder
regedit.chm in the Windows\Help folder
regedit.chw in the Windows\Help folder
regedit.hlp in the Windows\Help folder
possibly regedit.exe in the Windows\System32\dllcache folder

Anything else is suspect.

I recommend you try another antivirus and antispyware scan with a different
program.

http://www.ewido.net/en/

http://www.webroot.com/

http://housecall.trendmicro.com/

There are some very good malware removal tools here:

http://www.ik-cs.com/got-a-virus.htm

Kerry


.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: File problems
    ... original message, the response from Daave, my response to him, the response ... error message, but now it is 6 or more times A DAY. ... only to find that XP has ANOTHER glitch Windows 98 SE ... "Cannot remove folder: It is being used by another ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • Re: Regedit replacement?
    ... The ServicePackFiles folder only exists if you have upgraded to XP SP1 or XP ... Same for slipstreaming a Service Pack. ... What Windows XP SP1 folders can I remove? ... Typing regedit or regedt32 in the Run command does not call this particular ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.customize)
  • Re: redit is not a valid win32application?
    ... "regedit is not a valid win32 application". ... regedit.bat or regedit.cmd in the Windows folder. ... menu - it gives me the error message as previously described. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • Re: File problems
    ... message, the response from Daave, my response to him, the response from Ed Y, ... same error message, but now it is 6 or more times A DAY. ... only to find that XP has ANOTHER glitch Windows ... "Cannot remove folder: ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • RE: "Undeletable" File
    ... "undeletable" file on a Windows XP MCE laptop with an ... NTFS file system. ... admin account has full control of the folder "AVP8". ... the error message "The system cannot find the file ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)