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How to re-set file-type associations for .torrent files?

Anonymous
2014-05-15T20:33:45+00:00

So I started having an issue a day or two ago where .torrent files are no longer associated with uTorrent. I don't recall changing this extension association, so I have no clue what has caused it or how to resolve it.

Basically every time I try and set the default program, nothing happens.

System info:

  • MS Win 8.1 Pro / 6.3.9600 (x64)
  • uTorrent ver 3.4.1 (Build 31139 ) [32-Bit]

Previous issues encountered and resolved while searching for a solution:

1) Opened uTorrent: Options -> Preferences -> General -> "Associate with torrent files". Nothing changed.

2) Reinstalled uTorrent completely (uninstall, reboot, install) - allowed appropriate network/firewall access as required.

3) Tried adding the desktop app as default by the "open with" option in the MS Store. Encountered "Windows cannot fint 'ms-windows-store:Assoc?filetext=torrent'." Error. This was attempted to resolve with:

Run:
wsreset.exe

Encountered the following error: "Windows cannot find ms-windows-store:PurgeCaches". This was resolved with:

Run -> CMD (Elevated): powershell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register $Env:SystemRoot\WinStore\AppxManifest.xml

4) Tried opening PC Settings to change default program file associations, and encountered an issue where it wouldn't open. This was resolved with:

Run -> CMD (Elevated):powershell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register $Env:SystemRoot\ImmersiveControlPanel\AppxManifest.xml

5) Checked****Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\Default Programs\Set Associations again, uTorrent and Vuze still not associating the file type .torrent with themselves. Changing the program here does nothing at all.

6) Deleted all references to .torrent in the registry (Find ".torrent" -> delete -> F3 -> delete -> until no more left), and re-launched uTorrent. Prompt to make uTorrent the default appeared, hit yes, still nada.

Drag & dropping any .torrent files into uTorrent opens them normally, as does File -> Open.... Yet I cannot understand why the file-type association is not taking. Anyone else encountered this issue?

Would appreciate any help possible with this, because I'm running out of ideas...

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Files, folders, and storage

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-05-16T02:39:56+00:00

    Exhausting all those ideas, I would do this next:

    Windows has a number of recovery features to get "back up and running" quickly after a problem occurs. Some of these recovery features are more impactful than others, to be sure to read the impacts carefully.

    • Option One: System Restore (Safest, try this first)

    If the problem just began recently, you can restore Windows back to an earlier point in time, called a restore point. System Restore doesn’t change your personal files. It only takes a couple minutes, and you can undo the process or try another date if it doesn't fix the problem on the first try. When you aren't sure where to go, this is by far the safest, fastest, and easiest option to try first.

    1. Press **![](http://skeene.net/answers/win8.jpg)+R** to show the Run box, type

    RSTRUI and click OK. 2. Choose a date when the computer was working correctly, and click Next to restore the system files from that date. 3. Check to see if the problem is fixed. If not, you can go back to step 1 to either undo the restore, or try another date.

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-10-27T14:16:58+00:00

    I have the same issue.

    The only solution I have is use BitLord. It is associating with the .torrent and works.

    I have no other solution. I cannot associate also other types... This is a broader issue.

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