Error in opening exe file- “Windows cannot open this file- Search from net or select a program from the list”.

This problem occurs if the .exe file association in the registry is corrupt. The problem is normally caused by SirCam Virus or Win_95 spaces. So the solution is to fix the registry. Do this-

Click Start, Run and type Command Type the following command:
regedit

If Registry Editor opens successfully, then navigate to the following key: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT \ exefile \ shell \ open \ command

Double-click the (Default) value in the right pane. Delete the current value data, and then type: "%1" %*
(ie., quote-percent-one-quote-space-percent-asterisk.)

Navigate to: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.exe

In the right-pane, set (default) to exefile. Press F5 and exit registry editor.

This is the exact thing that the virus does. There is high probability that when you boot again the problem will persist, and that is because the virus is still there and it will execute its code until its last breath. So use a good antivirus and kick out the virus. Oh yes, you can always say "why I had to do this if finally I have to run a virus check?"