programs won't start

...why?

from JoeUser Forums
I'm experiencing problems with one of my PCs. Double-click on icons, or choose something from the start menu and I get an hourglass for a few seconds... then nothing. It's as if the program hasn't run. Checking out Task Manager, the list of tasks doesn't show it running, but looking through the list of processes, there is a process there!

Looks like it doesn't affect all apps. Firefox doesn't run. Some items in Control Panel don't run (e.g. user management). Explorer, Word and Outlook DO run. AVG sometimes runs, but can't update.

This happened on XP sp1. Tried updating to sp2, but didn't reslove it. Done the usual virus/spyware checks (AVG, ad aware, spybot, stinger, with the latest updates) - not infections found.

Any ideas?
4,933 views 4 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Two suggestions while you wait for someone like yraq.

1 - If you have not already done so, return Windows to the default settings including all icons, and then test functionality.

2 - Boot to safe mode to rule out some strange driver issue.

It sounds to me like an issue with one of the following:

- script engine
- explorer.exe
- an update issue
- the infamous "iprepair.dll" file

Again, just a couple thoughts until someone truly experienced in troubleshooting processes and files comes along.
Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Oh. My. God.

Looks like iprepair.dll might have been the problem!

I've just unregistered it, and hey presto, programs run! I think I'd better update IP (now that I can run Stardock Central).

(Now I can glue all the hair back onto my head that I've torn out. Tut tut. Naughty IP!!)
Curtains - Customize Windows with additional styles
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Seems to be ok now. Thank you Corky.