receving error messages when trying to open executables

[luvpats]

Hello I and I hope that I am able to receive some assistance with my error messages. I have posted on a couple of other boards and followed all of the advice given to me and have done everything that I can but I am still receiving error messages.

These error messages happen when I try and open an executable such as Visual Basic, Script, Windows Installer and any Updates/hotfixes manually from MDGx's site or Windows Updates site or from ErpMan's site.

I also received the same error messages when I tried to download and install Sun Java.

The error messages are as follows:

"Extraction Failed-Cannot Find Window Class".

"The application installation is either corrupted or damaged. Please contact program vendor."

I have tried everything. The computer works fine and all the programs on the computer open (Word, Regedit, SFC, Defrag, etc.)

These are new error messages and I was able to download everything fine a couple of weeks ago. It doesn't matter which site I go to I still get the error messages.

I have applied batch files, fixed the .exe file association, dial-a-fix, you name it I have tried it. Nothing has worked in solving these two error messages.

I have a feeling the problem is in the Registry. I think I need to associate the .exe file association with the correct Window Class. Or the Windows Installer is messed up. But I can't fix it because I can't download anything to fix it with unless it would be a registry fix.

But I have no idea how to do this or why everything got messed up in the first place.

I cannot open the update to the windows installer. I cannot open the Visual Basic update. I cannot open Sun Java not even the Offline Version.

I can download these programs just not open them.

Now some executables that I download are opening like Dial-A-Fix, CCleaner, Hi-Jack This and Advanced Windows Care.

I have run SFC. Done the Virus and Spyware scan too.

I would sure appreciate any and/or all help with this. I am going nuts! My OS is Windows XP Pro.

Are these common errors?

Thank you in advance for any assistance. I really appreciate it.

Richard

[cluberti]

If you can run procmon.exe from sysinternals (and you may not be able, but it's worth a try), you may be able to find out what is missing or perhaps if you're getting access denied's to a particular bit you need access to. I'd suggest running procmon while trying to install a windows update, say, to try and figure it out (if it will run on your box at this point, that is ).