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All .exe files blocked: "These files can't be opened. Your Internet security settings prevented one or more files from being opened."

Anonymous
2022-11-29T21:00:12+00:00

For a couple of days now, I've had this issue with my PC (Win10). *Any* file I try to open, this message pops up. I know the first thing to do would normally be to adjust the internet security settings, but that did not fix the issue for me (also, I had to navigate to those from the control panel, since when I tried to just type and enter it from the start menu, it also got blocked lol). I can't open any browser, regedit, or even command prompt. The OS is up to date. My antivirus doesn't seem to pick up any malware, or at least it hasn't notified me. What could this be, and most importantly - how do I remedy it?

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Files, folders, and storage

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  1. Anonymous
    2022-12-05T14:38:47+00:00

    So, there's been an interesting development -- until now, I actually only used one account to log into Windows so far, and just today I had the (belated, I admit lol) thought that I'd try to set up a separate one just to see if the issue would persist. It's... gone. I can open stuff. Must've been tied to the specific account, not system-wide. But I'd still like to be able to use my main account (it has my Microsoft account linked to it as well, the one I just set up only logs me in locally). I wonder if there could be a way to somewhat-remotely work on the problem that remains on the main account from the new one? Without reinstalling the whole OS, that is.

    You can use Account Profile Fixer. It creates a new local account and migrates the data and settings from your old account to the new one.

    Then just sign into the Microsoft Store to get your local account integrated with your Microsoft Account.

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  1. Anonymous
    2022-12-05T16:04:42+00:00

    Thanks! I did just that and it seems to be working okay.

    However... the popup did come back. I'm not sure which .exe file triggered it, because it just randomly sprang up after the reboot was done. I can still open various things from the desktop now, so it's not actively preventing me from taking any specific action, it's just sort of there. I already went and configured the security settings on the new profile so at least I know it's not those that are in my way. My AV is still claiming the system's safe.

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  2. Anonymous
    2022-12-05T14:19:11+00:00

    So, there's been an interesting development -- until now, I actually only used one account to log into Windows so far, and just today I had the (belated, I admit lol) thought that I'd try to set up a separate one just to see if the issue would persist. It's... gone. I can open stuff. Must've been tied to the specific account, not system-wide. But I'd still like to be able to use my main account (it has my Microsoft account linked to it as well, the one I just set up only logs me in locally). I wonder if there could be a way to somewhat-remotely work on the problem that remains on the main account from the new one? Without reinstalling the whole OS, that is.

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  3. Anonymous
    2022-11-30T14:26:20+00:00

    First, restart the computer several times and see if that makes a difference.

    If not, try a Repair Install.

    If your system is too corrupted to start that process, then you may have to reinstall from scratch.

    Head over to tenforums.com to seek further advice from the many experts there.

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  4. Anonymous
    2022-11-29T23:13:22+00:00

    Hi, I'm Elise, and I'd be happy to help with your issue.

    Given that you are unable to access anything you may need to reinstall Windows.

    To create installation media, please follow these instructions on another device:

    https://support.microsoft.com/windows/99a58364-...

    It is hard to say what would have caused this but I suspect malware that just hasn’t been detected.

    Kind Regards,

    Elise

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