Lost Link Associations

I have lost all link associations. All icons have been changed and when I click on one a window pops up and says "Windows can not open this file".

Will someone point me in the right direction in this forum for this subject?

Thanks, Jerry

 

Hi,

Which OS are you running? Are all the icons you are talking about program icons?

There are several fixes available for lost EXE associations which set that association back to default.

Unzip the file and then right click the .reg file and select Merge from the list. Say OK to the warning and that should do it.

For XP you can find the EXE fix here: http://www.dougknox.com/xp/fileassoc/xp_exe_fix.zip

For Seven you can find it here: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/19449-default-file-type-associations-restore.html

 

Windows XP

ALL icons look like little dog eared pages. I've tried downloading fixes but that won't work wit missing exe. files. When I download a fix I can't execute it because that icon also looks the same. I can' access system restore or reboot from my disc.

 

Try saving #12 at this link as it is already unzipped http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

Can you then right-click and select Merge or still no go?

 

That didn't work either. I can download it but it won't execute. .EXE files must be missing as well.

 

Try the below.

Download the below file to your Desktop. Once saved on your Desktop, Right click on it and select Install

EXEfix

Then see if you can run EXE files.

 

Does Start>Run>type in regedit open the registry editor?

If not does ctrl+alt+del open taskmanager? If so can you hit New Task and type in regedit and get the registry editor to open?

 

Tried both and I get a popup - Windows can not open this file:

 

Did you right-mouse click EXEfix.inf and select Install?

 

I saved the file to my desktop but when I go to the desktop the file is not there. I tried again and it shows the file is on the desktop but I tried saving it there and there is still no file showing.

 

Continue with Thisisu and trying to get the exefix.inf file to work.

One more thing to try is see if Start>Run>type in command.com and see if a command line window opens. (I want to see if .com files are working)

 

Yes I did right click but the only option is open. The file looks like allt he rest, a white dogeared page.

 

command.com, same thing, Windows can not open this file

 

Please download RKill by Grinler to your desktop.
RKill is an easy to use tool that kills known processes that stop the use of our normal anti-malware applications. Simple as that. Nothing fancy. Just kill known malware processes so that anti-malware programs can do their job.

RKill can be downloaded from the following locations. Please note that the other filenames below are RKill as well, just renamed in order to allow it run by certain malware.
Note: You only need to get one of them to run, not all of them.

RKill.com Download Link
RKill.exe Download Link
RKill.scr Download Link
eXplorer.exe Download Link - This renamed copy may trigger an alert from MBAM. It can be ignored and is safe.
iExplore.exe Download Link
WiNlOgOn.exe Download Link
uSeRiNiT.exe Download Link

Attach the log from RKill when finished if you were able to get one of these to work. (How to attach items to your post)

 

Hmm, Try the first suggestion in this link http://filext.com/faq/broken_exe_association.php

Is exe listed or can you add it?

 

I can't exe any files that I download

 

Hi

Since your computer isn't able to use the common fixes for this issue...

Might I suggest backing up your data and reinstalling Windows? This is assuming you have or are able to borrow a Windows installation disk for the version/license of Windows that you have.

You can backup your data onto an external hard drive or the likes using a live Linux distro, such as Puppy or Mint. If this is something you're interested in, I and I'm sure others would be happy to help you get it all figured out.

 

Have you tried starting in Safe Mode (F8 when first starting the Computer)?

What is the problem booting from CD? Have you tried hitting F12 when first starting computer to see if you get a Boot Menu from which you can choose CD/DVD?

 

Oops, missed that minor detail.:-D

Booting from CD/DVD could also be disabled in the BIOS, which should be able to be changed fairly easily.

 

I'd love to see this PC first hand :-D

 

I was thinking this too!

 

I'll try this. Can't add exe

 

I have not tried F12. Will try that in a bit. I have to leave for a couple of hours.

 

Thanks MCSMC. I have a disk but it will not work either. It starts to restore but then shuts down and reboots.

 

F12 Does not work either.

 

http://www.majorgeeks.com/RogueKiller_d6983.html

I suppose this doesn't work either right?

 

What is the make and model number of the computer?

 

No exe files will work. Something is blocking them or changing them once they are downloaded.there's no normal icon for anything I download.

 

It is a 4 year old Gateway Emachine.

 

You mentioned you CAN boot from a DVD, but the restore process fails, right?

I'm beginning to think your hard drive may be having issues.

 

No, it won't boot from the cd nor can I restore within safemode.

 

Alright. When FIRST turning on the machine, immediately press the ESC key. It should have a message of what key to press for boot options. If not, keep hitting the ESC key. I know with some older machines, simply pressing the ESC key at the right moment (hence repeating the procedure since you don't know exactly when that moment is) will bring up the boot options menu. With a bootable CD/DVD already in the drive, select that to boot from (if you're able to access the boot option menu using these methods).

 

In safe mode can you get to a cmd prompt (type cmd into the Run box) and see if regedit works?