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Task manager does not start

Anonymous
2010-02-05T16:23:42+00:00

When I try to start the task manager by right clicking the activity bar and selecting start task manager I get an error saying the taskmgr.exe file can not be found. The path suggesteed is C:\Windows\system32\taskmgr.exe. When looking in that folder the file is there.

If I do ctrl-alt-delete and select to start it from there I get returned to the previous screen without task manager or error.

Ctrl-shift-esc has no effect.

I've tried running a copy of the taskmgr.exe that worked on another computer running 64-bit Windows 7.

I am running a 64-bit Windows 7 on Intel Core2 Quad (Q8300)

Any ideas?

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Anonymous
2010-03-02T19:21:56+00:00

I still recommend giving Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware a run (it is free) if nothing else solves your problem.

You might like to try right-clicking on taskmgr.exe and selecting the "Run As Administrator" option

Have you tried copying the taskmgr.exe from System32 and placing it either on your Desktop, or in your Documents folder, and try running it from there?  While you have it in those last two locations, if it does not run, try changing the name of taskmgr.exe to somethingelse.exe. 

Do you have mention of taskmgr.exe anywhere in this Registry Key, probably not, but if you do try removing it (taskmgr.exe)?

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options

Does Task Manager run from Safe Mode?

Vista Advanced Boot Options

http://techblissonline.com/vista-advanced-boot-options/

Did you try the System restore, or the System File Checker?

This program can be used to see what is happening, in the background, when you launch Task Manager.

Process Monitor v2.8

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-au/sysinternals/bb896645.aspx

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  1. Anonymous
    2010-03-03T17:05:49+00:00

    I found a key for taskmgr.exe in : HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options

    Removing the key taskmgr.exe completely enabled me to run the task manager and problem solved! Thanks for the help Linney!

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  2. Anonymous
    2010-03-03T19:06:50+00:00

    I'm glad you have solved the main problem concerning Task Manager, but you should investigate further as to why that Taskmgr.exe ended up in that Registry location.  That sort of action is ***prima*** facie evidence of malware infection.

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  3. Anonymous
    2010-03-02T17:37:51+00:00

    I am using Windows 7 Home Premium Swedish Edition.

    I've scanned my computer with Windows own software and also with my antivirus program (FSecure). None of them report any problems.

    I've checked that the task manager is not disabled.

    Properties for the taskmgr.exe files in the folders you presented looks ok. I've got rights to execute the files and the version + file sizes matches the ones you wrote. None of the files will start when I execute them manually.

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  4. Anonymous
    2010-02-05T18:53:46+00:00

    What edition of Windows 7 are you using?  If it is higher than Home Premium is there any Group Policy setting set to prevent Task Manager from running?

    Have you tried scanning your machine for malware?

    I see lots of recommendations here for programs like -

    Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware

    http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php

    SuperAntispyware

    http://superantispyware.com/

    Task Manager can be disabled or enabled in Group Policy.

    At an elevated command prompt type gpedit.msc.  User Configuration/Administrative

    Templates/System/Crtl+Alt+Del Options.

    Registry Settings.

    Hive: HKEY_CURRENT_USER

    Key: Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System

    Name: DisableTaskMgr

    Type: REG_DWORD

    Value: 1=Enablethis key, that is DISABLE TaskManager

    Value: 0=Disablethis key, that is Don't Disable, Enable TaskManager

    See if these two options can solve it for you.

    How to repair the operating system and how to restore the operating system configuration to an earlier point in time in Windows Vista

    http://support.microsoft.com/kb/936212/#appliesto

    When you right-click on Taskmgr.exe, what do the Properties tell you?  Are there any access permission problems?  If you double left-click on the .exe does anything happen? 

    This is what I see on a 64-bit Windows 7 Ultimate.

    C:\Windows\System32\Taskmgr.exe

    Size 251 KB (257,024 bytes)

    Version 6.7600.16385

    C:\Windows\SysWOW64\Taskmgr.exe

    Size 222 KB (227,328 bytes)

    Version 6.7600.16385

    Can you start either of the above Taskmgr.exes manually?

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