Solved .lnk files for All Programs menu

[Merlin2000]

Whenever I open an item inside the start menu, it prompts with windows asking me if I want to open the file. Any idea why it does this now?

See attached screenshot.

 

[Merlin2000]

I've tried to reset the link association using a cmd and typing "assoc" but that didn't seem to work. I've seen a couple fixes using regedit for Vista, but didn't want to run it on Windows 7.

 

[richc46]

I agree, do not mess with the registry, unless you are proficient in that area.

I would try a system restore from before the problem. This situation is more of a pain than a problem. It may be best not to try anything involving the registry.

If you feel that you shoud use regedit, make sure you back up the registry first.

-

 

[Merlin2000]

System restore imo is one of those last resorts. I'd rather not mess with it unless I have to. There is a registry fix out there somewhere... just can't seem to find out where. If people were able to fix it for Vista, then the problem should be known.

I'll probably just do a system restore if I can't figure it out within the next week or so.

 

[monkeys breath]

try this first. right click the poweriso shortcut and delete it. then go to program files / poweriso and send a copy of the poweriso exe to the desktop as a shortcut, then move that shortcut to the old poweriso spot in the start menu. see if you click the new start menu shortcut if it works correctly.

 

[Merlin2000]

Same thing happens

 

[Brink]

Hello Merlin,

You might see if using the lnk download option in the tutorial below may be able to help with this. It will restore all of the default associations for the LNK file extension.

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

Hope this helps,
Shawn

 

[Merlin2000]

That did not work for me, I still have the same problem. I ran across this thread: All of my shortcuts go to the same program and they all have the extension, .lnk.

However, when I open up File Type Doctor, and select .lnk in the extension type, the "Actions in right-click menu" were:

CompactContentMenu Class
Open Containing Folder Menu
Shortcut

Not sure which ones to delete/add.

Does anyone else have Creative Element PowerTools and can check their settings for the lnk extension?

Basically, any shorcut that appears in this folder, that is a shortcut for an EXE file, brings up the prompt in my first post: C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs

If it is a shortcut for a pdf, txt file, etc.. it opens it up without any open file security warning...

If I navigate directly to the .exe file, and double click it, it opens without a problem.

If I take the current .exe file, and create a new shortcut on the desktop, then it works when I double click that shortcut on the desktop.

I have UAC set to the lowest security setting possible. One tutorial I found suggests I add .lnk files to the "Inclusion list for moderate risk file types" exclusion list, but that doesn't sound like the right way to "fix" the actual problem.

 

[Merlin2000]

I had someone test their lnk file associations to make sure mine lined up correctly using PowerTools, and all appears to be well with those. See: http://www.sevenforums.com/general-discussion/66233-need-tester-win-7-x64-using-power-tools.html

So I'm at a loss about what else to test.

Right now I know that the shortcut .lnk file works correctly with all files except for .exe file! When I open .exe files directly, no warnings or anything pops up.

The warning box just seems so weird to be receiving!

 

[Jonathan_King]

I would suggest a System Restore. You can scan for affected programs before you actually apply the changes. http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/700-system-restore.html

 

[whs]

.lnk should not be associated with any program. Check in your filetype associations and change if required.

 

[Barman58]

If you use internet explorer you can try a reset there - as it may be a zone trust level issue

Alternately check the properties of the shortcut or actual programs an see if you have an UNBLOCK button - I used to haver this when using firefox where the program was automatically blocked when downloaded.

Also check the permissions on the start menu folders - this should give a different error or prompt but the permissions could be a factor

 

[Merlin2000]

I would suggest a System Restore. You can scan for affected programs before you actually apply the changes. System Restore

- I'd really prefer not to do a system restore. I have license codes that I would have to export from the registry now, and re import them again later. It will be a huge pain to go through and re-enter all my registry keys that will be erased with System Restore.

.lnk should not be associated with any program. Check in your filetype associations and change if required.

- See my screenshot here http://www.sevenforums.com/attachme...-7-x64-using-power-tools-file.type.doctor.jpg

If you use internet explorer you can try a reset there - as it may be a zone trust level issue

- I did the "Reset all zones to default levels"

Alternately check the properties of the shortcut or actual programs an see if you have an UNBLOCK button - I used to haver this when using firefox where the program was automatically blocked when downloaded.

- No unblock button in the right-click menu or properties. It is also not being locked (checked with LockHunter)

Also check the permissions on the start menu folders - this should give a different error or prompt but the permissions could be a factor

- I opened up the Advanced permissions button, it shows a check next to "Special permission" - I compared the values of a shortcut that works (non .exe shortcut) to the permissions of the shortcut that does not work, such as the .exe one. It looks to be the same permissions:

 

[Merlin2000]

To make matters even more weird...

This directory C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu has a couple shortcuts to exe files. ALL of these shortcuts work. If I copy/move a shortcut into the Programs folder, then it has the problem and displays the prompt screenshot in my first post.

So, all shortcuts in C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs have issues, but shortcuts outside that folder, work fine.

 

[arkhi]

I'm not sure if this is the same with all systems, but just in case it is:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.lnk]
@="lnkfile"
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.lnk\ShellEx]
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.lnk\ShellEx\{000214EE-0000-0000-C000-000000000046}]
@="{00021401-0000-0000-C000-000000000046}"
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.lnk\ShellEx\{000214F9-0000-0000-C000-000000000046}]
@="{00021401-0000-0000-C000-000000000046}"
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.lnk\ShellEx\{00021500-0000-0000-C000-000000000046}]
@="{00021401-0000-0000-C000-000000000046}"
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.lnk\ShellEx\{BB2E617C-0920-11d1-9A0B-00C04FC2D6C1}]
@="{00021401-0000-0000-C000-000000000046}"
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.lnk\ShellNew]
"Handler"="{ceefea1b-3e29-4ef1-b34c-fec79c4f70af}"
"IconPath"=hex(2):25,00,53,00,79,00,73,00,74,00,65,00,6d,00,52,00,6f,00,6f,00,\
  74,00,25,00,5c,00,73,00,79,00,73,00,74,00,65,00,6d,00,33,00,32,00,5c,00,73,\
  00,68,00,65,00,6c,00,6c,00,33,00,32,00,2e,00,64,00,6c,00,6c,00,2c,00,2d,00,\
  31,00,36,00,37,00,36,00,39,00,00,00
"ItemName"="@shell32.dll,-30397"
"MenuText"="@shell32.dll,-30318"
"NullFile"=""
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.lnk\ShellNew\Config]
"DontRename"=""

DISCLAIMER: I disclaim myself from all registry damages you may inflict with your registry.

 

[Barman58]

Ok your ability (or not) to execute these shortcuts normally must be based on either the Users or everyone group.

Can you snip these, and post here, for a file that does not work correctly and I'll see if I can notice any discrepancies

 

[Merlin2000]

I'm not sure if this is the same with all systems, but just in case it is:

- Thanks for the suggestion, Barman linked over to the tutorial with that inside, it didn't fix the problem though

Ok your ability (or not) to execute these shortcuts normally must be based on either the Users or everyone group.

Can you snip these, and post here, for a file that does not work correctly and I'll see if I can notice any discrepancies

- Can you clarify what to post? I right-click on a working shortcut, go to Properties, then Security, then? Or something else? Basically, post all the settings for a working file, for all the users and groups listed under the Security tab, and then do the same for a file that doesn't work. Is that right?

 

[Barman58]

Sorry wasn't clear

in the advanced permissions you should be able to double click on the users and everyone groups and show the actual rights they have assigned.

 

[Merlin2000]

Ah, thanks for the clarification! I compared the two, exe (left) to lnk (right) and the users and administrator groups appear to be the same

I guess this is not what we wanted to see :huh:

Btw, when I right-click on the file and go to "Run as administrator", I do NOT receive the error prompt window. I think you're on the right track regarding the user groups being messed up. Just dunno where to go from here.

 

[Barman58]

Ok time to experiment/workaround

go to the all users folder and (take ownership if you need to), give your user (merlin?), full control, and let it propagate down to all files and any sub folders.

Unless there are any deny permissions floating about in the tree, this should work correctly now, (from what you observe with run as admin working)

The experiment part is that if you wish you can adjust the details by removing permissions until you discover what actual combination you need - an interesting experiment if you have time but should not be required