Question : cannot access EXE files in normal mode. getting device / path / file not found error.

Hi,

I'm running Windows XP Home with SP2 and Windows Genuine Advantage.
I have a problem that is focused only on my G: drive.
the drive is 74 gig drive and has had no previous issues.
the problem is this, When i click on any EXE file, be it a standalone setup file, or a file with dependant dll's i get an error message that states:
"Windows cannot access the specified device, path, file.
you may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item"

now this is the weird part. it only affected this drive, the exe files on the drive, meaning all my music and everything else works, and they files appear to work only in safemode.
the most recent things i have done with my system is uncheck a whole folder with a bunch of subfolders to not be read-only. i was on the website snuffx.com watching videos and viewing images while talking to a friend over msn messenger and sending the 1.3gig folder mentioned earlier to my girlfriend since it is the contents of what used to be her hard drive.

please someone help me. i can't stand down time with problems i can't figure out on my own.
plus my world of warcraft was affected :(

- JunoXP

PS - i tried to create a new account and access the files in normal mode and that didnt work. i also tried copying filesfrom safemode since they worked there to a new folder and copied them back in normal mode, and that did not make them work either.
i also do not have any restore points because i ran antivirus and spybot to get rid of issues and they did, but these files still cannot be accessed. i ahve since turned on my system restore.

Answer : cannot access EXE files in normal mode. getting device / path / file not found error.

so the .exe's work in safe mode?  o:

This would probaly point to a third party application and/or service that is blocking you from accessing files, Rather then a corrupted SAM / permissions.

You may want to try uninstalling any applications you have added since problem started.

You can also try creating a bartpe disk or knoppix and running a offline virus scan, just to make sure nothing is floating around and playing with LSASS or SAM.

http://www.nu2.nu/pebuilder/