Solved All programs try to open with internet explorer

[AJBUB]

IE9 but IE8 also had the same problem with me.

 

[MacGyvr]

I moved both files onto my desktop. I hit merge on reg file and they verified their activation keys. THey did not do anything.

ALso by turning internet explore off everything works normally so i would guess its an ie problem.

It's not an IE problem. It's a file association problem. The items in Brink's post will fix it. You need to run all the ones for system files, exe, com, dll, etc.

I don't know what you mean about "verified their activation keys"....there is no such message associated with .reg files. I think you are doing something incorrectly.

 

[AJBUB]

Ok i downloaded everything on that page now what do i do.

 

[Brink]

As per the steps there, right click one each one, and click on Merge one at a time, approve, and restart.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/19449-default-file-type-associations-restore.html

 

[AJBUB]

Thanks brink your method worked after much trail. I appreciate your efforts.

 

[Brink]

That's great news. I'm happy to hear that you got it sorted.

 

[harrellr]

Hey Brink,

Just had the same issue as AJBUB on my wife's PC (I use a Mac). Your fix worked perfectly. I assume malware was responsible for changing .exe extensions to prevent applications from running (no application would run, windows recommended internet explorer for all programs - even task manager); but after running anti-virus software, nothing was detected. Where else should I be looking?

 

[Brink]

Hello Harrellr, and welcome to Seven Forums.

This could also be caused by accidentally setting exe files to "Open with" the wrong default program.

You could also try doing a ESET Online Scanner, and/or run Microsoft Standalone System Sweeper at boot to scan your system.

Hope this helps,
Shawn

 

[harrellr]

Brink,

Great advice. Ran both: ESET found nothing, but the Standalone System Sweeper found the malicious program "VirTool:JS/Obfuscator" . Took 2 hours and 47 min to scan everything. Very nice tool to have. Thanks for the scoop!

Rod

 

[Brink]

You're most welcome Rod.