Windows 7: Internet Explorer Crashed while Surfing:Now I can't open any programs

when I try to open a program thru any path I get a message "This file does not have a program associated with it for performing this action.Please install a program or, if one is already installed,create an association in the DEFAULT Program Control Panel."I have not been able to run any virus software or, download any new software to find the problem.I was able to run disc check, but it didn't find or fix any problems.I am reaaly stuck here.Won't wor in Safe mode either and if I right click on a program,the run as administrator option isn't there.

Hello Kevin, and welcome to Seven Forums.

If able, see if downloading and merging the exe and lnk (LNK) options in the tutorial below may be able to help. Afterwards, be sure to do a full scan of your system with MalwareBytes free.

Default File Type Associations - Restore

I would also recommend to use Windows Defender Offline to do a full scan your system at boot with. If necessary, you could create the bootable 64-bit USB/DVD on another computer to use on yours.

Hope this helps,
Shawn

Thanks Brink,I downloaded all those last night,but when i try to open them i get the same error message.

Check in Default Programs to set the reg file extension to have it's Current Default program set as Registry Editor (C:\Windows\regedit.exe). Afterwards, try merging the REG files again.

the reg file extension was already set as registry editor,I think this may al be above my paygrade,might be time to raise the white flag and let take this thing to someone who knows what they are doing,thanks for your help.

Ok mate. Be sure to create a 64-bit Windows Defender Offline bootable DVD/USB on another computer to scan your system with at boot to see if it may be able to help clean it.

I will,thank you

ok,so it took awhile and had to jump thru some hoops,but i finally got defender offline downloaded and burned and run on infected computer.found 3 trojans,was able to remove 2 and quarantine 1.now i am able to install my anti virus software and am running a scan with it now.in the meantime i have lost all my desktop icons and desktop is black.my gadget icons that had previously disappeared have returned.all the programs in start menu are also gone.any ideas?

Kevin,

Once you make sure that your system is clean, I would recommend to backup anything that you do not want to lose, and reinstall Windows 7 to start fresh again. There's just no telling what other unknown damage the virus has done or may still do.

ok,cool,that is what i was planning on doing,just wanted to make sure i was heading the right direction.thanks