How to restore .exe file icons

Whilst changing some of the default icons for different file types in registry editor, I changed the default icon for all executable files so now all executables display the same icon, regardless.

I did this by going to Computer\HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile\DefaultIcon and changing the data in the file (Default) to the location of the icon on my computer, as I have done with everything else.

I now obviously want to change this back to what it was originally - %1 - but when I do that it makes no effect.

Like a complete idiot I didn't export the original file as a back up, simply due to laziness. What am I missing?

Brink said:

Hello Trimmball, and welcome to Seven Forums.

If you like, you could download and merge the .reg file for the listed .exe option in the tutorial below to restore it's default associations, icon, and registry entries.

Default File Type Associations - Restore

Hope this helps, :)
Shawn

Thanks, just to make sure I don't screw it up, how do I import this reg file so it replaces the old one?

Just double-click the .reg file and then click Yes on the question prompt that appears. Read it first so that you understand why you're clicking Yes.

Brink said:

In addition, the steps in the tutorial will help show you how to. :)

Sometimes these things are easy to miss when you're in a situation like this. It's a little bit like being a deer in headlights.

FIXED IT. what Shawn linked me to sussed it out fine :) had to restart the computer obviously though. it's just weird cos the visible details of the .exe file associations that i downloaded from Shawn's link were the same as the ones i plugged in manually, so don't know what i did wrong. But who cares! fixed :) thanks guys for your help

For future references, any changes you make to the Registry can be applied by simply Logging out and then back into Windows.

Also, to see why the downloaded .reg file works while what you did doesn't, right-click the downloaded .reg file and choose Edit. It changes a whole lot more in the Registry than what you changed. I think some of these other things may get changed automatically once you change what you changed, but I'm not sure.

not true. Tried that to great extent. I thought that one as well, rinsed that dry. but to no avail

Trimmball said:

not true. Tried that to great extent. I thought that one as well, rinsed that dry. but to no avail

Usually it is true, but I guess this was a special exception.

Also, to see why the downloaded .reg file works while what you did doesn't, right-click the downloaded .reg file and choose Edit. It changes a whole lot more in the Registry than what you changed. I think some of these other things may get changed automatically once you change what you changed, but I'm not sure.