Latest problem listed above on a Windows 7 machine. Here' how I fixed it:
01.-go to working computer
02.-click here: http://www.winhelponline.com/fileasso/exe_fix_w7.zip
03.-unzip the file: exe_fix_w7.reg
04.-copy to FLASH DRIVE (also known as a THUMB DRIVE)
05.-start problem PC in START MODE W NETWORKING
06.-plug in FLASH DRIVE
07.-press: CTRL-SHIFT-ESC
08.-hold: CTRL
09.-click FILE > NEW TASK (command box / shell prompt / black-scary-screen opens)
10.-type: F:
11.-type: REG IMPORT exe_fix_w7.reg
12.-that's it! You should be able to run EXE files now.