[Help] Problems with random .exe files running

[caladandaoc]

I have 3 new Dell D820 laptops and each have the same problem. Tech support no help. Dell has an express.exe file that when ran displays service tag and service code. When I try to run it (and one other random .exe so far) from windows explorer I get path not found error. A ntvdm.exe failed to initialze error is also generated each time this is attempted but is not displayed until shutting down or loggin off. But I can right click on the .exe and select "Run as" and use any user account and password and the .exe runs perfectly and immediately. What's going on?

Title edited -- Please, use [TAGS] in your topic's title.

--Sonic

[cluberti]

Well, check your path environment variable to make sure it contains the requisite Windows directories (\Windows, \Windows\system32, etc), and also make sure your box is clean of spyware and viruses. Getting ntvdm.exe errors when running .exe's (unless they really are 16 bit .exe's) is usually an indication of an infestation of some sort.