Cannot access Control Panel

[ron6962]

Recently, I lost access to many of the programs from my desktop. For example...when I try to open My Computer, or Recycle Bin, or Control Panel, I get an error panel stating....."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 Programs control panel."
Unfortunately, I cannot access the Default Programs program either, for the same reason. Help?

 

[LiquidSnak]

Do you have system restore enabled? Also, do you remember changing anything (programs, settings) or what you were doing before this started happening?

 

[Maguscreed]

Sounds viral in nature.
Does this also happen when you start the system in safe mode?

 

[ron6962]

Thanks for the replies. The only System Restore copies I can find are from today....the problem began several days ago. I have tried disabling all security and all non-microsoft services. Also tries starting in Safe Mode....no help.

 

[Maguscreed]

Sounds like you are in a repair install situation...
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/3413-repair-install.html

 

[ron6962]

I was afraid that might be my only option. My Win7 is Home 64bit...and unfortunately, the only Win7 disk I have is Pro 32bit. When I try to do an upgrade (saving my files and programs) I get a message stating I cannot go from 64bit to 32bit. Looks like my only option is a clean reinstall. Ugggh! I've read a lot about this problem, and it appears to be rather common....sure wish I could find a way to get explorer.exe working again.

 

[Maguscreed]

You can probably restore it, but without a source disk you're going to run into problem after problem.
My windows 7 disk will install 32 or 64 bit, is your disk some sort of weird oem thing?

I wouldn't do a full wipe at any rate, you can just install again and retain your old files for recovery.

 

[ron6962]

My Win7 Pro disk is a Dell OEM disk....I do not have the original Acer Win7 Home disk nor a MS Win7 disk. I can save all my files and settings, and do a clean install with Win7 Pro 32bit, but then I lose all the programs installed. That's what I am trying to avoid....but looks like that may be my only option. Frustrating, because I know there must be a rather simple solution to not being able to open syatem programs like Control Panel, My Computer, etc.. All my third party programs open and work fine.

 

[Maguscreed]

You should be able to use any win 7 64bit disk to do your repair. So long as you have a valid key you shouldn't run into any problems. Do you have a friend or anyone you could possibly borrow a disk from just to run the repair?

 

[ron6962]

Thanks. I will look around tomorrow and see if I can find someone with a 64bit Win7 disk. I agree that would be the best bet at this point. Was just hoping to find a "repair" solution of the explorer.exe without a reinstall. I do appreciate the responses, and will get back tomorrow with my results. Thanks.

 

[ron6962]

One other thought I just had. I have windows 7 Pro installed on another PC. Suppose there is a file(s) I could copy over to address the explorer.exe issue? Just a thought...I wouldn't know where to start.

 

[t-4-2]

Recently, I lost access to many of the programs from my desktop. For example...when I try to open My Computer, or Recycle Bin, or Control Panel, I get an error panel stating....."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 Programs control panel."
Unfortunately, I cannot access the Default Programs program either, for the same reason. Help?

Suggestion : Assumiming your Start Button is atill operable.
To gain access to Control Panel .....
Start > search box, type appwiz.cpl > press Enter key > left column, click Control Panel Home > under User Accounts, click Add or Remove user account > creat another admin account.

Logon to the new admin > can you run any programs in the new account ?

 

[ron6962]

Interesting! Hadn't thought of trying to create a different User Account. Give me a few minutes to try that. Thanks.

 

[ron6962]

Ugh! I get the same error concerning program association. Nice thought though...any other way to get to User Control?

 

[MacGyvr]

Why not just repair your file associations?

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

 

[t-4-2]

Ugh! I get the same error concerning program association. Nice thought though...any other way to get to User Control?

Suggestions :

1. Run a full vidrus scan.
Recommend using Malwarebytes. Best in the business...
Download Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware (free)

2. Do a system file checks to llok for and repair coorupt files.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1538-sfc-scannow-command-system-file-checker.html

 

[MacGyvr]

Pretty sure it's not a virus, just a lost file assoc.

 

[ron6962]

Thanks for the suggestions. I have run Malwarebytes and completed the sfc /scannow process. Neither found any issues. I also tried the "repair file associations" from the link above, and was not sure which files to download....there are dozens. Tried the exe file, downloaded and processed it, and that did not make any difference. Is there another I should try...oir do I need to do them all?

 

[Jacee]

Sounds viral in nature.
Does this also happen when you start the system in safe mode?

I would definitely agee here!

I was afraid that might be my only option. My Win7 is Home 64bit...and unfortunately, the only Win7 disk I have is Pro 32bit. When I try to do an upgrade (saving my files and programs) I get a message stating I cannot go from 64bit to 32bit. Looks like my only option is a clean reinstall. Ugggh! I've read a lot about this problem, and it appears to be rather common....sure wish I could find a way to get explorer.exe working again

Where did you get the Win7 home premium 64bit?

 

[ron6962]

The win7 Home Prem came preinstalled....it has been working normally until just recently.