Problem with Command Prompt (cmd.exe)

Hi,

When I try to open/run cmd.exe, I always receive this message: "Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file. You may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item." I can only open "command.com" (oldish and barely usable). But if I go and copy "cmd.exe" from System32 directory to some other temporary folder then I can open a command prompt.

This phenomenon is a new to me. I don't use the command prompt very frequently but last time I had a need to use it about a week ago, it was working right. The only new program that was installed since then is SAS Pro (uninstalled/reinstall with no better change), but SAS' support team are not seeing how their software would have had an effect concerning my problem. I also did scan my pc for any possible virus with NOD32, SAS and MBAM, and they report the system to be squickly clean.

The problem does not seem to be in some Group Policy setting that I could see (there is an item called "Prevent access to the command prompt" but it is not configured). I also check the system environment variable to make sure that the "Path" variable includes system32 directory and windows directory.

The only way I succeed to regain my Command prompt was by experimenting a pass of ComboFix, but this tool also touch too much other pc's settings to my taste, so I prefered to put my system back (with FDISR) as is for now, and ask here first before to resort to this draconian solution. [I have a Total Uninstall's log report of the ComboFix working pass, but I'm not experienced anough to decipher where my particular problem solution could sit there!]

All help and hints you can provide will be truely welcome.

-----
XP Pro sp2 | SAS Pro | DWall | SSM | FDISR | ShadowProtect | Xp-Setup Pro | XPlite Pro | Xp-Antispy

 

bump.

 

Hi Ruinebabine,

Read it's wiki then give dial-a-fix a spin, it possesses a permission's issue check.

If IE7 is there an "enhanced security component" installed?

One more idea - http://www.adminscripteditor.com/ed...ccess_the_specified_device,_path_or_file..htm <== My bet's on something related to this.

You working with multiple drive's?


S

 

Hi GlobalForce,

I use Dial-a-Fix to remove all restrictive policies it could find

...but no change

IE not present on this computer.

Interesting hint, but no "Unblock" button in cmd.exe properties tab.

Yes, 2 internal and 1 ext. USB HDs, all 3 partitioned.


Thanks for your help.

 

See line 275, left column, at the link below.May help?

Instructions on how to use are at the top of the page.
Kelly's Korner

 

Ruine,

Aside from Franklin's find or this possibility I'd strongly consider choosing a forum and getting an hjt review.


S

 

Hi Franklin,

when I try to run this vbs file, I receive an access denied message:



Well, it seems my pc is kinda borg

Thanks for your trying to help.

 

Run it with Grubletrang's PowerPrompt!

S

 

Thanks for the link, I'm perusing at this page right now, will see what I could find there.

Yep, the hjt reviewing is probably the next best option, and I should give it a go now. I did not check on those forum lastly, so I don't know whose of them are the more active those days. Any friendlyer ones you could recommande, if I could ask?

Thanks for your helping replies, Globalforce and Franklin, much appreciated.

 

"You must have the .Net Framework in order to run this program."


But thanks for the find, anyway, and it can surely be a good tool to had to your arsenal when someone using dotNET. First time I heard of it.

 

Whoop's! Boot safe mode then come in as Admin and run it.

S

 

OK, try the app below under System Security and see if CMD is ticked.
Doug Knox

 

CMD is not ticked:


BTW, very interesting and helpfull tool. Thanks, it's a keeper!

 

I'm finishing my other works, and I'll reboot and try it.

 

OK, good.

With all that security soft listed up top your system may well have gotten borked somewhere along the way. Failing safe mode and as a last ditch attempt prior to posting an hjt give that vbs file a shot as system. As far as forum's go .... Aumha, WindowsBBS, anywhere really. You'll be able to get an idea by checking recent post <slash> date response.

S

 

I'm going to take a leap here. Check your Path setting and see if C:\Windows\System32 is missing. Its under Control Panel, System, Advanced, Environment Variables.

In the path variable should be "%SystemRoot%\system32;" If its missing, add it.

 

Blimey, just about got me beat.

One last suggestion maybe if GF's safemode or KookyMan's tip doesn't work but it may take a bit of self analysis.

You could try a scan with Runscanner with which you can right click any sus entries and search google.

 

Yeah, I wouldn't know that now Franklin .... been a looong time since last booting Win.

S

 

Hi KookyMan,

Yes it is there, as said in my originald post
Thanks for your time at trying to help to solve my problem.

 

Tried by rebooting in admin Safe Mode, but no change: I keep receiving the exact same deny messages...

 

From post fifteen - stick it in your Window's directory, open a prompt and issue:

at <time> /interactive regtmcmdrestore.vbs

No good? Sure it's not SSM? Time to post a log.

PS - I doubt three-twenty-five right side - http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm


S

 

"Opening a Prompt" being the problem as we know, I tried doing this by using xPlorer2's Run Command tool.
> at 1:40 /interactive regtmcmdrestore.vbs
A DOS window flash-passed. But nothing seems have change concerning the CMD's deny.

What do you mean by "No SSM"?

EDIT: Yes, I'm sure SSM is not the perpetrator here.

 

Yes, Runscanner should be of help. I already used similarly AnVir Task Manager Pro to google 'round my system's peculiarities and will continue to dig with RunScanner.

Thanks all for your great hints and helping time.

 

Yes, it is working.