Hi Paul,
If you can't run any .exe files, check out rpggamergirl's article. This may help:
http://www.experts-exchange.com/Software/Internet_Email/Anti-Virus/A_1995-CAN%27T-RUN-EXES-IN-AN-INFECTED-SYSTEM.htmlThere are other programs like exeHelper.com and a few registry scripts I have used to fix exe issues and then Iwas able to run my malware scans. Try the above article first and let us know if you make any progress.
TK