Windows 7: All programs try to open with internet explorer

Whenever i try to open a program it tries to run it or save it. Even internet explorer itself wont open. How do i fix this. Please help. Turning off internet explorer fixes the problem but then i can't get on the internet.

Welcome to the Seven Forums, AJBUB.

We would really appreciate it if you could add some more details about your issue. From what you have said, it sounds as if you may have a virus. Try running a quick scan with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and tell us what the results are.

My norton also tries to open with internet explorer and i can't access the internet to get malwarebytes.

Hello AJBUB, and welcome to Seven Forums.

Your description and title of your issue are contradicting each other, so I'm not sure what your exact issue may be.

I would recommend that you check to be sure that you are virus and malware free as Brice posted above.

If your programs are not opening with that program, then downloading and merging the exe and lnk (LNK) options in the tutorial below to see if that may help. It will restore the default associations for these file extensions.

Default File Type Associations - Restore

Hope this helps,
Shawn

Most of my icons appear as white paper with the internet explorer logo on it. That is why i assume it is trying to open with internet explorer.

Thanks brink for your help but i cant get on this website to download the files in your link.

To get a copy of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, see if you can use another computer in your house or a friend's computer to download it and put it on a thumb drive.

As for opening it on your computer, try booting Windows into Safe Mode with Networking, as explained in the tutorial below, and then installing it.

Safe Mode

Here they are for you to download from here instead then.

Sorry briceh your method did not work. But what is a reg file brink the tutorial is very vague.

What part didn't work? I might be able to help you.