"Default Programs" Control Panel Does Nothing

I'm running 64-bit Windows 7 Pro with all updates. I'm having two related problems:

(1): When I try to launch the "Default Programs" control panel,nothing happens at all.The same thing happens when I run "control /name Microsoft.DefaultPrograms".

What's going on?

(2): The file associations for several applications keep getting screwed up by being changed to appropriate -- but wrong -- applications. The problem that set me on this path was that PDF files were suddenly opening in a PDF reader that I rarely use instead of what was shown by NirSoft's FileTypeMan and ShellExView (as well as in the output from the FTYPE and ASSOC commands). that's what I meant by "appropriate but wrong": PDF files were being opened by a PDF reader (as opposed to something like a photo editor), but not the right one.

I suppose I need help primarily with problem 1: Why won't the Default Programs control panel open?


Thanks!

Hi, Paul, and thanks for your reply.

Running MBAM is always at the top of my list when I encounter these weird problems. I scanned all my disks for malware and rootkits, but none were found,

One possibility might be related to leftover stuff after uninstalling an application or three. I've used Revo Uninstaller Pro both to install and uninstall (it's a remarkably great tool). Revo's best feature is its ability to track down all files and registry settings related to the application without removing unrelated stuff. But some installers launch by themselves, preventing Revo from monitoring the install fully, In such cases, it's possible that not all items are cleaned up.

Hi Thenin,

This is the second time this year your system has "lost the function"
smacks of a drive on its way out

can you run
chkdsk /r

AND the appropriate makers disk checkers, see you have more than 1.

If they come back as good, please run the System Update Readyness Tool

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/down....aspx?id=20858

Roy

May I ask a favor, please? If it would not be too much trouble, please consider not assuming I'm a newb or moron?

I was polite in my previous reply, but "informing" me that I should run CHKDSK is extremely condescending. I've been a systems programmer since 1978 and know my way around computers.

So kindly give me some credit, okay?

I've not only performed everything you've suggested LONG BEFORE I even came here, I've done much more, including SFC /SCANNOW, registry scanning (not cleaning), running the professional version of the SSDLIFE utility (which stated that my SSDs should run without problems until 2030).

I need far more expert help.