.EXE File Association Problems

[Eric Utley]

I'm using Windows XP Pro and tried to open an Executable with Notepad. When
I did that it reassociated all .exe files with Notepad, so now when I reboot
and get back into XP all of my startup files come up in Notepad and if I
double click on a program such as IE, Outlook or any other programs from my
desktop if opens with Notepad. There are a few workarounds, I was able to
create a batch file for "regedit.exe" and was able to get to the registry,
"cmd.exe" for command prompt. I don't have system restore turned on so
that's not an option. I'm able to get to IE by going to Start > All Programs

Windows Updates, so that's how I am able to get to the internet but most

programs from Start Menu open in Notepad. I've checked the registry and
compared it to another system and everything looks fine. I've used the
Recovery disk, ran chkdisk /r to try to recover, didn't work. Tried to
reload the OS by doing a repair, didn't work. I'm really trying to avoid a
fresh install as I have so much data that I don't want to lose. I can't even
run Norton Ghost to ghost a backup for a fresh install. Help! Please!

Eric Utley

 

[Ramesh, MS-MVP]

Eric,

Launch Regedit and navigate to:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExts\.lnk

Backup the key to a REG file.

In the right-pane, delete all the values you find. (Progid or Application)

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.exe

In the right-pane, double-click (default) and set it's data to "exefile"

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile\shell\open\command

Set the (default) to "%1" %*
(ie., quote-percent-one-quote-space-percent-asterisk.)

 

[Ramesh, MS-MVP]

Additionally:
File association REG fixes are available at:
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/file_assoc.htm

 

[Pegasus \(MVP\)]

I'm using Windows XP Pro and tried to open an Executable with Notepad. When
I did that it reassociated all .exe files with Notepad, so now when I reboot
and get back into XP all of my startup files come up in Notepad and if I
double click on a program such as IE, Outlook or any other programs from my
desktop if opens with Notepad. There are a few workarounds, I was able to
create a batch file for "regedit.exe" and was able to get to the registry,
"cmd.exe" for command prompt. I don't have system restore turned on so
that's not an option. I'm able to get to IE by going to Start > All Programs
programs from Start Menu open in Notepad. I've checked the registry and
compared it to another system and everything looks fine. I've used the
Recovery disk, ran chkdisk /r to try to recover, didn't work. Tried to
reload the OS by doing a repair, didn't work. I'm really trying to avoid a
fresh install as I have so much data that I don't want to lose. I can't even
run Norton Ghost to ghost a backup for a fresh install. Help! Please!

Eric Utley

You write "I've checked the registry and compared it to another
system and everything looks fine." This is a pretty tall order, seeing
that the average registry contains between 7,000 and 14,000 lines!
I suggest you have a look at these specific locations:

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.exe]
@="exefile"
"Content Type"="application/x-msdownload"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.exe\PersistentHandler]
@="{098f2470-bae0-11cd-b579-08002b30bfeb}"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExt
s\
This key should have no value for .exe files.

On a related subject: Your data files are safe and can
be retrieved by various means. On the other hand you
might want to reflect on this truism: Most people who
choose not to back up their important files every week
to an independent medium will change their habits rapidly
after suffering a major disaster.

 

[Guest]

Thanks for your help thus far... Below is what I've found since your last
response.

"HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExts\.lnk"
-Doesn't exist.
However, I did find
"HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExts\.exe" and it shows
-.exe
(Default = Value Not Set)
(Application = notepad.exe)
Expand .exe +
OpenWithList
(Default = Value Not Set)
(a = NOTEPAD.EXE)
(MRUList = a)
OpenWithProgids
(Default = Value Not Set)
(exefile = Zero-Length Binary Value)

Also, I've already tried "http://www.dougknox.com/xp/file_assoc.htm" as
well, didn't work.

Eric

 

[Guest]

<quote>[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.exe]
@="exefile"
"Content Type"="application/x-msdownload"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.exe\PersistentHandler]
@="{098f2470-bae0-11cd-b579-08002b30bfeb}"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExt
s\
This key should have no value for .exe files.</quote>

Your first two are the ones I was talking about, however I didn't know about
the other until Ramesh brought it up. The third entry you mention does have
..exe, you can see what all it contains in my reply to Ramesh.

Thanks, Eric

I'm using Windows XP Pro and tried to open an Executable with Notepad. When
I did that it reassociated all .exe files with Notepad, so now when I reboot
and get back into XP all of my startup files come up in Notepad and if I
double click on a program such as IE, Outlook or any other programs from my
desktop if opens with Notepad. There are a few workarounds, I was able to
create a batch file for "regedit.exe" and was able to get to the registry,
"cmd.exe" for command prompt. I don't have system restore turned on so
that's not an option. I'm able to get to IE by going to Start > All Programs
programs from Start Menu open in Notepad. I've checked the registry and
compared it to another system and everything looks fine. I've used the
Recovery disk, ran chkdisk /r to try to recover, didn't work. Tried to
reload the OS by doing a repair, didn't work. I'm really trying to avoid a
fresh install as I have so much data that I don't want to lose. I can't even
run Norton Ghost to ghost a backup for a fresh install. Help! Please!

Eric Utley

You write "I've checked the registry and compared it to another
system and everything looks fine." This is a pretty tall order, seeing
that the average registry contains between 7,000 and 14,000 lines!
I suggest you have a look at these specific locations:

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.exe]
@="exefile"
"Content Type"="application/x-msdownload"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.exe\PersistentHandler]
@="{098f2470-bae0-11cd-b579-08002b30bfeb}"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExt
s\
This key should have no value for .exe files.

On a related subject: Your data files are safe and can
be retrieved by various means. On the other hand you
might want to reflect on this truism: Most people who
choose not to back up their important files every week
to an independent medium will change their habits rapidly
after suffering a major disaster.

 

[Ramesh, MS-MVP]

Eric,

Backup and delete this key totally:

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExts\.exe]

 

[Guest]

How do you backup the key? Will writing it down on paper suffice? I could
always recreate the key from scratch if need be right?

Eric,

Backup and delete this key totally:

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExts\.exe]

--
Ramesh, Microsoft MVP
Windows XP Shell/User
http://windowsxp.mvps.org

Thanks for your help thus far... Below is what I've found since your last
response.

"HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExts\.lnk"
-Doesn't exist.
However, I did find:
"HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExts\.exe"
and it shows
-.exe
(Default = Value Not Set)
(Application = notepad.exe)
Expand .exe +
OpenWithList
(Default = Value Not Set)
(a = NOTEPAD.EXE)
(MRUList = a)
OpenWithProgids
(Default = Value Not Set)
(exefile = Zero-Length Binary Value)

Also, I've already tried "http://www.dougknox.com/xp/file_assoc.htm" as
well, didn't work.

Eric

 

[Ramesh, MS-MVP]

Use the File > Export option to save to a REG file.

--
Ramesh, Microsoft MVP
Windows XP Shell/User
http://windowsxp.mvps.org

How do you backup the key? Will writing it down on paper suffice? I could
always recreate the key from scratch if need be right?

Eric,

Backup and delete this key totally:

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExts\.exe]

--
Ramesh, Microsoft MVP
Windows XP Shell/User
http://windowsxp.mvps.org

Thanks for your help thus far... Below is what I've found since your
last
response.

"HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExts\.lnk"
-Doesn't exist.
However, I did find:
"HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExts\.exe"
and it shows
-.exe
(Default = Value Not Set)
(Application = notepad.exe)
Expand .exe +
OpenWithList
(Default = Value Not Set)
(a = NOTEPAD.EXE)
(MRUList = a)
OpenWithProgids
(Default = Value Not Set)
(exefile = Zero-Length Binary Value)

Also, I've already tried "http://www.dougknox.com/xp/file_assoc.htm" as
well, didn't work.

Eric


:

Additionally:
File association REG fixes are available at:
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/file_assoc.htm

--
Ramesh, Microsoft MVP
Windows XP Shell/User
http://windowsxp.mvps.org


Eric,

Launch Regedit and navigate to:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExts\.lnk

Backup the key to a REG file.

In the right-pane, delete all the values you find. (Progid or
Application)

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.exe

In the right-pane, double-click (default) and set it's data to
"exefile"

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile\shell\open\command

Set the (default) to "%1" %*
(ie., quote-percent-one-quote-space-percent-asterisk.)


--
Ramesh, Microsoft MVP
Windows XP Shell/User
http://windowsxp.mvps.org


I'm using Windows XP Pro and tried to open an Executable with
Notepad.
When
I did that it reassociated all .exe files with Notepad, so now when
I
reboot
and get back into XP all of my startup files come up in Notepad and
if
I
double click on a program such as IE, Outlook or any other programs
from
my
desktop if opens with Notepad. There are a few workarounds, I was
able
to
create a batch file for "regedit.exe" and was able to get to the
registry,
"cmd.exe" for command prompt. I don't have system restore turned on
so
that's not an option. I'm able to get to IE by going to Start > All
Programs
Windows Updates, so that's how I am able to get to the internet
but
most
programs from Start Menu open in Notepad. I've checked the registry
and
compared it to another system and everything looks fine. I've used
the
Recovery disk, ran chkdisk /r to try to recover, didn't work. Tried
to
reload the OS by doing a repair, didn't work. I'm really trying to
avoid
a
fresh install as I have so much data that I don't want to lose. I
can't
even
run Norton Ghost to ghost a backup for a fresh install. Help!
Please!

Eric Utley

 

[Guest]

OMG, THANK YOU SO MUCH! YOU DA MAN! My programs are working again and yes
you better beleive that I'll be keeping close backups also. Thanks Ramesh and
Pegasus.

You guys are awesome.

Eric Utley

Use the File > Export option to save to a REG file.

--
Ramesh, Microsoft MVP
Windows XP Shell/User
http://windowsxp.mvps.org

How do you backup the key? Will writing it down on paper suffice? I could
always recreate the key from scratch if need be right?

Eric,

Backup and delete this key totally:

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExts\.exe]

--
Ramesh, Microsoft MVP
Windows XP Shell/User
http://windowsxp.mvps.org


Thanks for your help thus far... Below is what I've found since your
last
response.

"HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExts\.lnk"
-Doesn't exist.
However, I did find:
"HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExts\.exe"
and it shows
-.exe
(Default = Value Not Set)
(Application = notepad.exe)
Expand .exe +
OpenWithList
(Default = Value Not Set)
(a = NOTEPAD.EXE)
(MRUList = a)
OpenWithProgids
(Default = Value Not Set)
(exefile = Zero-Length Binary Value)

Also, I've already tried "http://www.dougknox.com/xp/file_assoc.htm" as
well, didn't work.

Eric


:

Additionally:
File association REG fixes are available at:
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/file_assoc.htm

--
Ramesh, Microsoft MVP
Windows XP Shell/User
http://windowsxp.mvps.org


Eric,

Launch Regedit and navigate to:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExts\.lnk

Backup the key to a REG file.

In the right-pane, delete all the values you find. (Progid or
Application)

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.exe

In the right-pane, double-click (default) and set it's data to
"exefile"

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile\shell\open\command

Set the (default) to "%1" %*
(ie., quote-percent-one-quote-space-percent-asterisk.)


--
Ramesh, Microsoft MVP
Windows XP Shell/User
http://windowsxp.mvps.org


I'm using Windows XP Pro and tried to open an Executable with
Notepad.
When
I did that it reassociated all .exe files with Notepad, so now when
I
reboot
and get back into XP all of my startup files come up in Notepad and
if
I
double click on a program such as IE, Outlook or any other programs
from
my
desktop if opens with Notepad. There are a few workarounds, I was
able
to
create a batch file for "regedit.exe" and was able to get to the
registry,
"cmd.exe" for command prompt. I don't have system restore turned on
so
that's not an option. I'm able to get to IE by going to Start > All
Programs
Windows Updates, so that's how I am able to get to the internet
but
most
programs from Start Menu open in Notepad. I've checked the registry
and
compared it to another system and everything looks fine. I've used
the
Recovery disk, ran chkdisk /r to try to recover, didn't work. Tried
to
reload the OS by doing a repair, didn't work. I'm really trying to
avoid
a
fresh install as I have so much data that I don't want to lose. I
can't
even
run Norton Ghost to ghost a backup for a fresh install. Help!
Please!

Eric Utley

 

[Ramesh, MS-MVP]

You're welcome Eric. Glad that helped!