Application As A Process?

[Robert Leaman]

I have several applications (programs) that ran fine as an application. However, these programs appear to install fine but they install as a process. They do not show a UI so it it not possible to use the program. After a reinstallation, the program behavior remains as before, that is, it installs as a process. The program is visible as a process with Task Manager. What change was made to the system that causes this to happen?

Thanks much for any ideas or help.

[John Cipriano]

I'm having some trouble understanding what's going on here. Let me see if I can restate it:

are you saying that certain programs, despite once working as expected, now no longer show up on the desktop, in the start bar, etc? That they don't show any visual evidence of being run, but they show up as a process in Task Manager?

[Storm Rosson]

did u try rite clik on the uninstalled app go to properties and use the compatability tab to install in a compatability mode in a drop down menu , usually choose XP SP2 0r 3, at the bottom check the box to run as administrator hit apply/ok and then see if it will install properly.

[Robert Leaman]

Are you saying that certain programs, despite once working as expected, now no longer show up on the desktop, in the start bar, etc? That they don't show any visual evidence of being run, but they show up as a process in Task Manager?

John, that is exactly what I tried to describe. I cannot say when this started since not all programs exhibit this behavior. For the most part, my software runs as expected. I haven't added any new software for quite some time except to update Spybot, Malwarebytes, and ZoneAlarm (Antivirus & Spyware).

[Wiz Feinberg]

Try running System Restore a few times, to previous dates. Maybe this will fix your odd program behavior.

What is your operating system and service pack level?

[John Cipriano]

Do you have a multiple monitor setup?

[Robert Leaman]

Tried the compatability routine but that is not a cure. The system is Win XP SP3 with all updates. I used all the System Restore dates (3), but still no change with the affected programs.

Thanks for the suggestions.

[John Cipriano]

Is uninstalling and reinstalling those programs an option?

[Wiz Feinberg]

I haven't added any new software for quite some time except to update Spybot, Malwarebytes, and ZoneAlarm (Antivirus & Spyware).

Please update these programs and scan for malware or rootkits. MBAM is especially good at removing rootkits, including the MBR type.

Uninstall all affected applications, then reboot the PC. Download Crap Cleaner from here. After you install CCleaner try to run it. If the GUI opens use it to first clean all temporary files. You'll need to close your browsers to do this. After the temp files have been cleaned click on the Registry icon on the left side of the program interface. Select all options, then let it clean your registry. When asked, have it to make a backup file, in case something breaks. You can also have CCleaner "scan for issues" before cleaning the registry, then you can uncheck items you think are in error, then clean the rest.

Reboot and try to install the problem applications, one at a time. If they now work properly the problems may have been caused by corrupt registry entries and lingering setup files in temp locations.

If critical programs break after cleaning your registry, just find the exported .reg file and double click to import it back, then reboot. If one or two programs break, but the problem apps now work properly, just reinstall the newly broken programs.

[Robert Leaman]

Thanks much to everyone. I'll get to everyone here when I finished all that Wiz proposes.