Stupid Question Forum?

[FreeLibra]

Hi Folks,
This should be posted in the Stupid Question Forum..if it existed here.
Most of you will think it's very simple but I have no idea on this.
I hope someone will help me out.
I have a problem opening a program "Bear Delete.exe"
I downloaded and unzipped/installed it and now I cannot get it to open and run.
When I try to run the thing I get the "Open With" menu window.Somehow it is now a .pif file.
When I try to reboot in DOS I get the same thing.
I get an "Open With" window asking me to choose a program to open "Exit To DOS.pif"
The funny thing is,I had this program before and used it weekly then uninstalled it.
Any ideas? Thanks for your patience! FL

[Croc]

BearDelete is a great little app but what it does is simply use DELTREE in a more convenient package.

The DELTREE commands are listed here:

C:\WIN DOWS>DELTREE /y c:\windows\history\*.* > NUL

C:\WIN DOWS>DELTREE /y c:\windows\tempor~1\*.* > NUL

C:\WIN DOWS>DELTREE /y c:\windows\temp\*.* > NUL

C:\WIN DOWS>DELTREE /y c:\windows\cookies\*.* > NUL

C:\WIN DOWS>DELTREE /y c:\windows\applic~1\micros~1\office\recent\*.* > NUL

C:\WIN DOWS>DELTREE /y c:\windows\ShellIconCache
Deleting c:\windows\ShellIconCache...

C:\WIN DOWS>if exist del c:\windows\ff*.tmp

note the space in the word "WINDOWS". To use... close the space.

I have it installed and showing in the Programs list. The options are:

Bear Delete
Bear Delete.bat
Readme txt
Uninstall.exe
Uninstall Bear Delete

By simply clicking the BearDelete option, the program activates, does it's thing and reboots.

In case you haven't read the Readme, it's quoted here:
To run this file is simple :) click on start go to Bear delete
click it and it should do the rest. Make sure this is installed to the
default folder....or it wont work.
There is a need to know your OS here as there are problems running the program that suits the W95/98/ME etc in W2000. MrBears has released a program to cater for this and you will find that one if you need it at the same place you found BearDelete.

I would suggest if you are having problems with it, you should uninsyall and download it again, saving the program to a floppy.

I hope this helps. The only problem I have heard about it is the W200 issue.

Croc.

[Dakota]

HaHa! That's funny FreeLibra! Stupid Question Forum. Oh yes, that could be well used here that's for sure, but your question does NOT fit in that category.

Welcome to SpeedGuide!

[FreeLibra]

Thanks Croc!
I am running W98 and I have used the BD program in the past with no problems at all. I just clicked on BD and it ran perfectly.
I uninstalled it a few weeks ago and reinstalled it and now I get the "Open With" window every time I try to use it.
I follow the instructions and let it install itself to the folder it wants to.It shows up under start/programs ok and then when I click on BD I get the "Open With" window.
I try to open the BAT notepad now and it flashes briefly and then tries to print.
I may have a file association problem or something?
Does this make any sense? Thanks!!!! FL

[Norm]

Sounds like a virus has either changed file associations, or removed your exe files.

[FreeLibra]

Well it seems that all my other exe files are ok. I give up....any other ideas? Thanks! FL

[Norm]

Restart in Dos mode and type:

scanreg /restore

Hit [enter] and when the window comes up, pick a registry file from the list (use the arrow keys) that is dated before this started. Follow instructions and reboot when asked to, by hitting [cntrl][alt][delete]

[Croc]

You could also try a Find Files search for all things "beardelete" or "bear delete" to see if there is anything resident after deleting the program and delete from there.
Alternatively, go to DSLReports and find a post/thread using MrBears, BearDelete or Bear Delete in the top right searchbar. MrBears is his DSLR name.
Once you have found a thread, post a question there.

I have no answer to the reason for the problem.
Hope this helps.
Croc.

[FreeLibra]

Thanks for the replies!!
OK..so I hit start/shut down/restart in MSDOS Mode and I get the "Open With" window again prompting me to pick a program to open "Exit To Dos.pif"
I think I am going to reformat my HD!...lol!
What is this thing? Thanks!! FL

[Norm]

Dos = The OS you fix windows from :)

Hit F8 during bootup, after BIOS posts, but before windows starts, and then select 'Command Prompt Only" from the list, using the arrow keys.

Then do as stated above re: scanreg /restore

[FreeLibra]

Thanks!
I went in and found that the last date available was 6/2.I reset to that date and was told that the update failed.
The problem started on or about the 1 or 2 of June.
Also, I cannot get into MS/DOS from the Windows Shut Down menu either.I have to use the F8 on reboot or run Exit to Dos.pif.
Something happened as previously, a month ago or so, I could run the BD program with no problem.
I have found no viruses in the system,I wonder what the heck this is? Thanks! FL

[Norm]

It must be clear to you now, this is not a "stupid question" after all :)

Hard to say at this point what caused the problem you're having. It's near impossible to know your skill level, and what, if anything, you did to cause it (meaning . It could be bear delete, it could be many other things) Guessing in a forum takes too long.

There is no need to format yet though, a reinstall of windows over itself could possibly cure it. That depends on whether it's a user setting or not. If you do a reinstall, allow windows install to "save previous system info" when asked, that way all your programs will stay intact and all your present hardware drivers will be found and used.

[FreeLibra]

Thanks for all the help!! This is a tough one!
I think I will re-install W98 and see what happens.Obviously something has been corrupted.
I downloaded KaZaa a week ago or so and have noticed my system seems slower than before.Especially Hotmail..weird.
I was afraid I may have gotten that virus,and the .pif file? That was not on the BD before.
But I have run several scans and found nothing.
I will get some more in depth info on that Kazaa virus and check the reg,etc. Thanks! FL

[Norm]

Kazza !!!
Why didn't you say that earlier.

Check the security forum for "spyware" info and removal.

It may not clear up your problem, but will clear up some problems you may not be aware of............yet.

[FreeLibra]

I reinstalled W98 and the BD worked just fine again.
Then I did the Kazaa fix suggested on the Computer Security Forum,got rid of all the spyware with Adaware and so far everything is back to normal.
I never did find any signs of a worm or virus...except maybe that .pif problem.
Live...and hopefully learn!...LOL!
Thanks for all the help!!! FL

[Norm]

Welcome FreeLibra, glad you got it fixed without having to format.

The new saying is "live and keep learning, it just never ends" :D