Error Message When You Open Recycle Bin: Windows Can Not Find Program.exe (309538)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition
This article was previously published under Q309538
IMPORTANT: This article contains information about modifying the registry. Before you modify the registry, make sure to back it up and make sure that you understand how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For information about how to back up, restore, and edit the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

256986 Description of the Microsoft Windows Registry

SYMPTOMS

When you attempt to open the Recycle Bin on your desktop, you may receive an error message similar to the following:
Windows can not find Program.exe. This program is needed for opening files of type Recycle Bin.

CAUSE

This behavior can occur if you uninstall Norton Utilities but the Norton unerase registry key remains on your computer.

RESOLUTION

WARNING: If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

To resolve the issue, remove the Norton unerase registry key. To do this, follow these steps:
  1. Click Start, and then click Run.
  2. In the Open box, type regedit, and then click OK.
  3. Right-click the following subkey

    QUOTES="YES">HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\Clsid\{645FF040-5081-101b-9F08-0AA002F954E}\Shell\Norton unerase

    and then click Delete on the shortcut menu.

    When the confirmation message appears, click Yes.
  4. Quit the Registry Editor.
  5. Double-click Recycle Bin.

MORE INFORMATION

The third-party products that are discussed in this article are manufactured by companies that are independent of Microsoft. Microsoft makes no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding the performance or reliability of these products.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:9/28/2004
Keywords:kb3rdparty kberrmsg kbprb KB309538
©2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.