Cannot run Taskmgr.exe on Window XP

Hello, I have been having a problem getting taskmgr.exe to run on my HP Pavilion. I have XP @ Home with all the lastest updates. I can locate taskmgr.exe in the C:Windows\system32/ directory, but when I attempt to click on it I get an error that says "Windows cannot find 'C:\WINDOWS\system32\taskmgr.exe'. Make sure you typ0ed the name correctly, and try again. …. Also, I used to be able to use the ALT+CTRL+DEL keys to bring it up, but that is not working either. Any ideas? Thanks

Hi Nich

Sorry to hear 'bout that…

There are many known malware programs which can cause this behaviour, so my advice would be to post a HiJackThis-log
in the HJT removal forum. That way we are sure that we are troubleshooting a clean machine, or else all work would be for naught if you're infected by malware. Be patient and don't respond to your own post, as the malware-fighter's are looking for posts which are not replied to. Bumping your post may delay a respond significantly. The malware-expert's are very busy and often the needs exceeds the number of experts available.

You can post a HiJackThis-log here: HijackThis™ Logs and Infections Removal

If your post haven't been replied to in 5 days, post a gentle reminder here: What To Do If You Have No Response In 5 Days?

Hope your PC turns out to be clean If so, we can take it from there.

Regards Abydos

Thanks Abydos, I will post the log to HijackThis Logs and Infections Removal.

Hi Nich Can see you have posted HJT already If the problem remains after a malware expert have had a look on your log, post back here. Good luck. Regards Abydos

Interestingly, my computer (running Vista) has just started exhibiting the same behavior. I can't run taskmgr.exe, even a clean copy of taskmgr.exe off another computer. The exact message I get is: G:\taskmgr.exe The specified path does not exist. Check the path, then try again. Looks like a file that taskmgr.exe depends upon has been removed or otherwise messed with. I've separately confirmed my PC is clean, no viruses or malware. My guess is that this is a side effect of something I recently installed – Windows updates, nVidia drivers, or something similar. In case you see a correlation, here are some things I've recently installed: Monitor Calibration Wizard 1.0 NewBlue Cartoonr for Vegas NVIDIA Drivers (the new 4/2008 set for 8800GTS 512) Apple Software Update Firefox 2.0.0.14 Adobe Reader updates (to v 8.1.2) Logitech Setpoint update Debugmode Wax 2.0 Quicktime MS Office Updates 7-Zip 4.57

I found the answer!!

This problem is caused when Process Explorer (from Microsoft) is run on a system, the option to replace Task Manager is selected, and then Process Explorer is deleted or moved to a different location.

The fix:

1. download Process Explorer
2. extract it into a "known stable" location. I suggest "c:\program files\processexplorer" (i.e., don't just run it from desktop as I originally did)
3. Run procexp.exe
4. On the Options menu, select Restore Task Manager

Now try running taskmgr.exe - it should be restored!

Of course, now that you have a stable installation of Process Explorer in a known location, you can go to the Options menu and re-select Replace Task Manager.

Monty

You're absolutely correct. I had used the process exployer in the past, but stopped for some reason. Great detective job, Monty. Thanks, Larry