Cannot run some .exe files
In the last couple of days I've downloaded a Nero program update (filename nero63117.exe) and a driver update for my AC97 on-board sound card (filename wdm_a361.exe). Both are large .exe files, but neither will run. They just briefly open what looks like a DOS window with no command line in it (just blank black) which then closes in less than half a second.
Both files are legit from manufacturers' download pages on their websites, and both are identified for use on my OS.
The icon for both saved files is the Windows window, if you can see what I mean. Does that indicate what file type XP thinks it is?
I've tried running in all compatibility modes and also in safe mode with the same result.
I'm sure I used not to have this problem, but there's no way I can identify what I might have done to change the 'puter's behaviour.
.exe files known to be Windows-based, such as the various Setup.exe progs and Install Shield, etc, are fine.
Can anyone give me any pointers, pleeaassee!
XP Home SP1 fully updated, 2.6G P4, 512Mb RAM, Heaps of empty space on the system drive (at least 40G). AV is PCCillin (I tried turning off its real-time scan), Pest Patrol and ZoneAlarm are running plus a few other progs in the System Tray. Recent scans (yesterday) with Pest Patrol, Spybot S&D, AdAware and PCCillin are all clean.
Cheers
AA