Can't quit programs from taskbar

[Zoron]

I've tried Googling this and have not found an answer even close to what I'm looking for. I have a Windows 7 machine that I'm trying to get fixed up for someone and there is one odd issue I can't seem to figure out... programs that have a "Quit" option (IE: Skype and Incredimail) won't exit when I select "Quit Program" from the menu after right-clicking on the taskbar. I can quit the program by right-clicking the icon in the system tray, however. The odd thing is when I select "Quit", instead of exiting the program, it just brings up the System32 folder (as if the default action has been changed) and I have no idea how to restore the default behaviour. I've searched and searched, but it seems I am alone in this experience.

 

[the great randini]

i would right click on the icon for the apps and select "properties" > click the compatibility tab >and check the "compatiblity mode" checkbox. then select windows xp (service pack 3- if that does not work try service pack 2).

~ if not try purging cache~
Ensure that “Show hidden files and folders” is switched on.
a. Click Start, type run and press Enter.
b. Type control folders and click OK.
c. Select the View tab and ensure relevant entry is enabled.

Locate the shared.xml file.
a. Click Start, type run and press Enter.
b. Type %appdata%\skype and click OK.
c. Delete the shared.xml file.

Restart Skype. The shared.xml file will be recreated.

 

[Zoron]

No go... and these programs are compatible with Windows 7. I can close IE and Chrome from the taskbar, but not Skype or Incredimail. This computer did have malware which has been cleaned. Everything else seems to function as it should... it's just this one odd problem that's nagging me.

 

[Zoron]

I was really hoping to avoid reloading this computer (I've already reloaded Skype to see if that would fix the issue), but if there are no other suggestions, I guess I'll have to. Thanks for the help Randini.