American Civil War Game Club (ACWGC)

I know this probably should be in the SMOKING ROOM, but some might not stop in there.

I have a problem. I cannot run any file (.EXE) from Explorer. My games and most applications run normally, usually from the shortcuts on thedesktop. When I attempt to run ANY upgarde or update file, I get the following:

"The handle is invalid"

When I check HELP at Microsoft, they say it might be a corrupted WINDOWS INSTALLER. So, I tried to get the latest installer, but, guess what, "Handle is invalid"!! So it is like a catch22. The problem is the installer, but I can'r install or upgrade anything.

HANDLE is a programmers term for internal sequences in programs and that can be "invalid", but this is somewhat different than a programmers error code.

If I try to use a CDROM to install a new program, I get the same ERROR.

I am going around in circles, here.

At least my normal stuff does work. Also, it is NOT a virus or malware problem. I ran the virus cleaners from Microsoft and Symantec that MIGHT have caused this, like the SASSER worm and its variants, but everything was clean.

Any assistance would be appreciated.



<b><font color="gold">Ernie Sands
General, Commanding, Army of Ohio

ACWGC Cabinet member
</b></font id="gold">

Got some info and solved this one.

I was using a program that monitored any program that attempted to change an EXE file and it would prevent the file from being modified. I had it on too high a setting and it allowed NO upgrades. I modified the settings and all works fine, now.

Somtimes you can't see the forest for the trees.[:o)]

<b><font color="gold">Ernie Sands
General, Commanding, Army of Ohio

ACWGC Cabinet member
</b></font id="gold">

Hi Ernie!

Glad to hear that You found the <b>Key </b>to your problem and Un<b>lock</b>ed the solution. I have to admit that the whole thing was a closed <b>door </b>to me and that a solution <b>hinge</b>d on which <b>step </b>Ye took next. I note that there wasn't a <b>panel </b>of comp gurus <b>hanging </b>around to assist Ye . . so I don't feel as dumb as I did! Hopefully, Ye won't <b>saddle </b>Yerself with a similar problem again.

And, And, and . . . . .

Aw Shucks! I've run outta Door synonyms!!!! [:p]

And all because of a "<b>Handle </b>Error"!!!! [:o)]

Pat.

Patrick G.M.Carroll,
Major General.
Carroll's Corps,(II)
"Spartan Southrons"
Army of Georgia.
C.S.A.Cabinet Secretary

" When My Country takes it's rightful place, amongst the Nations of the World, then and only then, let My Epitaph be written. "