Default File Type Associations - Restore

I see..
So I kind of already went ahead and unassociated the file earlier.. which now I don't think I should have done, is it possible to reverse this?

This fix was the only thing that was going to save me. Thank you, thank you.

I had used Windows Explorer in an attempt to change the default file association for an *exe file. That caused every *.exe in the computer to be changed to the selected application, in the first instance Excel.

Then to make matters worse I eventually changed the default association to Windows Explorer in an unwise attempt to be able to see my file structure. When I did this every *.exe was associated with Explorer. When this is the case starting any application would start an infinite loop of Explorer processes and there was no way to stop it or start any other application because everything started another Explorer process. Thus, I did not have access to the Desktop or anything else.

So. I used another computer to download the Default_Exe.reg file. I copied it to a USB key. Then I started the computer with the problem in a Safe Mode with Command Prompt. I then ran the Default_Exe.reg file by entering the file name at the drive command prompt, e.g., G:> default_exe.reg. I did not know that *.reg files would run when you typed in the name at the command prompt but they do. When the file ran I got a screen that asked if I really wanted to change the Registry and warning that it could cause all sorts of problems. Since I was already having all sorts of problems I did not think I had anything to lose.

It seems like what the executable file does it to delete the existing FileExts value in the registry that is associated with the *.exe extension. I was able to find ways to modify the Registry itself but since I had screwed up the *.exe file association default there was no way for me to access regedit.

Long story but I just wanted to say thanks and inform the subscribers that there are workarounds available if you change the defaults on the *.exe file extension to Explorer. Moral of the story: NEVER, EVER under any circumstances change the default association for the *.exe file extension to Windows Explorer.

Thanks a lot for the tutorial
Fixed my problem with lnk

Hello everybody,

I've registered on this forum because I believe this is the place where I can learn if my computer is truly screwed.

Like most I have an issue of files association, however this is massive, I get the famous "this file does not have a program associated with it blablabla" for everything I do on my computer (control pannel for exemple)

• if I try to access my documents, I get absolutely nothing (no message error, no symbol nothing)

• If I try to go to for the task manager i get "no task supported" ...

• If I try to type "regedit" (or about anything) in the search tab of the start menu, I get nothing, no reaction.

By some luck, clicking on my garbage, open C-Cleaner, which has a "online help" button, which allow me to launch firefox (if I try directly i get the " this file doesnt not have a program associated..." message.

I've downloaded some reg files , but I do not have the "merge" option when I right click on them.
Refering to the first page I can see :

If you do not see a Merge option when you right click on the REG file, then you will need to check in Default Programs to set the reg file extension to have it's Current Default program set as Registry Editor (C:\Windows\regedit.exe). Afterwards, try merging the REG file again.

But in my case I cannot access to the control panel...

So is there a possibility to enable this "merge" option for .reg files on the right click, given my situation ?

Or do I basically have to order a new computer ?

Thanks for your help