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Files unable to open

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Alexski -  
 VieilleEtudiante -
Hello,

Following a download that I think is questionable on µtorrent, I am facing the following issues:

- Unable to open documents with certain extensions: pdf, docx, xlsx: every time the same message: "Windows cannot find the path :'C:\Users\...\Desktop\Document.pdf'. Please check that you have entered the correct name, then try again". Unable to open Word, Excel, or Adobe Reader: the icons do not respond. The same goes for opening Word through a direct link, same message: "Windows cannot find the path :'C:\Users\...\Appdata\Roaming\Microsoft\...\Word 2016.lnk'. Please check that you have entered the correct name, then try again".

However, pdf files can be opened with Firefox or any other browser.
For Office documents, I tried converting them directly to pdf using pdfcreator; it doesn't work. However, online conversion via Ilovepdf works and allows me to read the documents in a browser. Compressing the document to then decompress it did not help, nor did renaming the document.
I tried uninstalling Adobe and then reinstalling it: still the same problem.

Another issue noticed, I can no longer rename certain folders on my C drive. In particular, I cannot rename the Program Files (x86), Program, Users, and Windows folders. However, there is no problem with the others.

I have done a scan with Antivirus, Malwarebytes, or SuperAntiSpyware: nothing.

In short, there is surely a simple solution, but it exceeds my skills.
Thank you for your help!

Alexski

Configuration: Windows / Firefox 77.0

14 answers

  1.
    Malekal_morte- Posted messages 178136 Registration date   Status Moderator, Security Contributor Last intervention   24 712
     
    Hello,

    It seems that it comes from Avast! CleanUp.

    1) Be aware that these cleanup software generally don't serve any purpose.
    Sooner or later, they cause problems.

    See if uninstalling it resolves the issue?

    2
    1. Alexski
       
      Hi,

      Avast CleanUp uninstalled, but the problem persists.
      When trying to open a pdf, CleanUp indicated that Adobe was open, but nothing happened. Clicking on the document again, and this time the error message from the initial post appeared.
      I uninstalled Adobe Reader, reinstalled it. At the end of the installation, it suggests launching the software: nothing.
      Opening the pdf? Still the same error message...
      0
      1. Malekal_morte- Posted messages 178136 Registration date   Status Moderator, Security Contributor Last intervention   24 712 > Alexski
         
        Strange because for some, it seems to fix the problem.
        Otherwise, you'll have to wait for Avast! to publish a corrective version...

        I've heard that renaming the executables to adobe.exe allows the software to run?



        And a system restore?

        Try a Windows system restore that allows you to return to a previous restore point (if available) in order to get a functional Windows back.
        => how to restore Windows and System Restore
        => https://www.commentcamarche.net/informatique/windows/147-restaurer-windows-avec-les-points-de-restauration/

        To do this:

        On your keyboard, press the Windows + R key
        type rstrui.exe and OK.
        Follow the instructions.
        0
      2. Alexski > Malekal_morte- Posted messages 178136 Registration date   Status Moderator, Security Contributor Last intervention  
         
        Hello,

        I was going to opt for this solution, but I saw David's response, which solved the problem.
        Thank you very much for all your messages and all your solutions.
        Have a great day!
        0
    2. VieilleEtudiante
       
      Hello, I would like to thank you even though my uninstallation is not finished. I am almost sure it is that because the phenomenon corresponds to a very recent Avast update. It's not just young people who connect on ccm, but also seniors who experienced the internet in 1992 when it was called mosaic and was used by Americans. So once again, thank you! Your spirit of solidarity towards poor lost users like us is a source of eternal gratitude.
      0
  2. Davidx98
     
    PROBLEM SOLVED! It was indeed an issue with the latest Avast Cleanup update. I was able to restore my computer using a restore point a few hours before the update. Everything is working again. I have now blocked Avast's automatic updates while waiting for them to resolve the issue!
    Good luck to everyone ????
    1
    1. Alexski
       
      Same thing, problem solved.
      I reinstalled Avast CleanUp to benefit from the latest update, ran a new scan, had a long reboot and everything is back to normal!
      Thank you!
      0
  3. davidx98
     
    I have exactly the same problem, my partner does too, and at the same time! It smells like a system update that’s bugging!!!
    0
  4. Malekal_morte- Posted messages 178136 Registration date   Status Moderator, Security Contributor Last intervention   24 712
     
    Hello,

    Test by uninstalling the latest update: Uninstall a recent Windows update.

    I scanned with Antivirus, Malwarebytes, or SuperAntiSpyware: nothing.

    Your antivirus and MBAM are sufficient.
    Avoid combining them.

    --
    Please press any key to continue the disinfection...
    0
  6. Patrol13
     
    Hello
    Same problem this morning when restarting the computer. No file opens.
    It does look like an update issue, since the problem is not unique.
    Maybe wait for a new update before doing too many operations.
    0
  7. Malekal_morte- Posted messages 178136 Registration date   Status Moderator, Security Contributor Last intervention   24 712
     
    A third https://forums.commentcamarche.net/forum/affich-36703488-je-ne-peut-plus-lancer-mes-fichier

    --
    Please press a key to continue the disinfection...
    0
    1. Malekal_morte- Posted messages 178136 Registration date   Status Moderator, Security Contributor Last intervention   24 712
       
      https://forums.commentcamarche.net/forum/affich-36703453-windows-ne-trouve-pas-c-users
      0
      1. fokjiay Posted messages 8 Status Member 29 > Malekal_morte- Posted messages 178136 Registration date   Status Moderator, Security Contributor Last intervention  
         
        Good evening,

        There https://forums.commentcamarche.net/forum/affich-36703488-je-ne-peut-plus-lancer-mes-fichier#7 you suggest that it might be related to Avast Cleanup...

        This morning I did indeed run a full scan with Avast, and it seems that this is just after I noticed this problem.

        What solution would you suggest? We can of course uninstall Avast Cleanup (or at least not use it for the moment), but will that be enough to fix the damage?

        Edit: the last update of Avast Cleanup Premium was yesterday (09/06) QED.
        0
  8. Davidx98
     
    For your information, Word and Excel mobile versions are working in the meantime.
    0
  9. Timothe
     
    Hello,

    Has anyone found a solution?
    I'm experiencing the same issue, and uninstalling the Windows updates didn't resolve it.
    0
    1. bb-pp Posted messages 763 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention   23
       
      Hello.
      I too have encountered these same sudden problems!
      Cannot open pdf, word, and excel files...
      Acrobat = Uninstall + redownload + reinstall = same!
      The solution I found = restore to a previous date. I restored to 01/06/2020 which I had as a point.
      Everything returned to normal... EXCEPT that upon shutting down and reopening W10 > updates were applied!
      Result = back to square one = the mentioned files wouldn't open again!
      So I concluded > that it was the W10 Update updates that were causing the hassle!
      I found a solution to prevent W10 updates - attached file.
      Since then = everything works again and no W10 update.
      Of course, some will say it’s not a solution... but I am open to another solution!
      For all practical purposes.
      0
      1. Malekal_morte- Posted messages 178136 Registration date   Status Moderator, Security Contributor Last intervention   24 712 > bb-pp Posted messages 763 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention  
         
        A priori, it probably comes from the Avast! CleanUp program.
        It updated itself before the Windows updates.

        The restore must have reverted to the previous version.
        0
  10. Zabounette78 Posted messages 3 Status Member
     
    Same problem for me as well, I had posted on the forum https://forums.commentcamarche.net/forum/affich-36704203-probleme-pour-ouvrir-un-document-de-ma-dropbox-ou-one-drive
    I will try to uninstall the latest updates...
    To be continued!
    0
  11. Zabounette78 Posted messages 3 Status Member
     
    I identified a Windows security update from today, but I can't uninstall it... The button doesn't show up, even if I right-click... I feel like I'm too stupid... :(
    Has anyone found a solution?
    0
    1. davidx98
       
      I have exactly the same as you, impossible to uninstall this update :(
      0
      1. Zabounette78 Posted messages 3 Status Member > davidx98
         
        Just in case, I restarted my computer, and it did some updates!! I had a lot of hope but my problem persists... And indeed, I can uninstall all updates except for that one (KB4560959)...
        0
  12. fokjiay Posted messages 8 Status Member 29
     
    At the risk of not seeming very original, I notice exactly the same problem: impossible to open .doc or .docx, .pdf, .xls files...
    But what annoys me the most is that Windows can't find the Word, Excel, or Acrobat Reader software either!
    In the end, I opened .pdf files with Nitro Reader, but .doc files are impossible for now.
    0
    1. Davidx98
       
      Hey, you can open .doc files by installing the Word, Excel, etc. applications on your computer through the Windows Store. This is the solution that works best for now.
      0
      1. fokjiay Posted messages 8 Status Member 29 > Davidx98
         
        What is the "Windows story"?
        I don't know what it's about.
        0
      2. davidx98 > fokjiay Posted messages 8 Status Member
         
        The Windows Store * (or Microsoft Store) sorry!
        You can access it by clicking on your start menu in principle. From there you can install apps on your computer :)
        0
    2. Alexski
       
      Hello,

      Thank you for your responses.
      My problem indeed comes from both a Windows update (which I cannot cancel, the button is not available, no surprise after all the analyses done since) and an Avast Cleanup analysis.
      0
  13. Patrol13
     
    Hello
    This morning, an update from Avast was installed. Everything went back to normal after the restart, which took quite a bit of time compared to usual.
    Still, we really struggled all day yesterday trying to solve the issue!!!!
    1
  14. OlivierC13
     
    Hello,

    I've had the same issue since yesterday, but I don't have AVAST: I can't open any Office files (Word...) while I have no problem with others ... I did a scan with AVG, with Malware that detected nothing, I did the 2 major cumulative updates for Windows 10, I uninstalled/reinstalled Office but still the same problem ....
    Here are the FSRT scan result files:

    https://pjjoint.malekal.com/files.ph...1_f11o13r13o98

    https://pjjoint.malekal.com/files.ph...d11i10k5u12v15 (additions)

    https://pjjoint.malekal.com/files.ph..._g7j10w11g9x12 (shortcuts)

    If someone can help me? Thanks in advance and have a nice day
    Olivier
    0
    1. guyber
       
      My Excel files finally open ... after a day of searching. I disabled Avast CleanUp and no longer want to subscribe! This software is useless!
      0
    2. Malekal_morte- Posted messages 178136 Registration date   Status Moderator, Security Contributor Last intervention   24 712
       
      FRST does not help in this case and has nothing to do with malware.
      This comes from Avast! CleanUp.
      Uninstall it.
      Generally speaking, if you are on Windows 10, you can uninstall AVG or Avast! to leave Windows Defender.
      Lighter and will cause fewer problems.
      0
      1. OlivierC13 > Malekal_morte- Posted messages 178136 Registration date   Status Moderator, Security Contributor Last intervention  
         
        Hello, I didn't have Avast installed but I had AVG Tune Up that I uninstalled and that was probably causing trouble because my problem has disappeared...
        0
  15. Spiricraft Posted messages 2 Status Member
     
    I think it is a virus because, coincidentally, while I am trying to repair Windows with the official ISO tool, I encounter the same error as if the virus doesn't want me to restore Windows.
    -1