Share via

How to fix the dreaded "something didn't go as planned loop and.. erm... certain files lack an app to associate themselves with? I dunno mayne

Anonymous
2025-01-17T21:13:05+00:00

Every time I try to access certain files or the trouble shooters this shows up

everytime I try to restart this shows up until it comes on again
One time I thought I was well learned enough to watch and follow along with a you tube video concerning how one can get admin for every file and folder on the system, I backed out after a while cuz it really wasnt worth it and then all these stuff started happening, first it was the task bar being unresponsive apart from the app icons, I couldn't open photos or audio files because the same pop up window appeared every time I tried, so I re installed windows without losing any of my personal stuff, it fixed the issues for the most part the task bar was responsive now and so on but in order to access the files I had to go in settings/installed apps and click advanced settings on each of the apps responsible for opening those types of files and click repair and after that all I had to do was use the open with option and from there my music and stuff opened as they used to but now we're here keep in mind before I re installed windows and stumbled across the app repair stuff I tried almost every command prompt fix imaginable, some ended in a dreaded access denied loop and others just couldn't seem to find an issue so now I'm trying the troubleshooters and NONE of them work
Before all this I did my best reset the admin settings but i'm not sure i did it properly cuz that could be what's causing all this

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Performance and system failures

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments

1 answer

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2025-01-23T08:13:14+00:00

    Hi Welcome to Microsoft community.It sounds like you're dealing with a complex set of issues following some system changes and a Windows reinstallation. Here are some steps to address the problems you're experiencing:Addressing the "Something didn't go as planned" Loop:

    1. Sometimes, Windows can take a while to revert changes, especially if the update or change was significant. Ensure your computer is plugged in and let it run for a while.
    2. Force Shutdown and Restart: If waiting doesn't resolve it:
      • Hold down the power button for about 10 seconds to force shut down.
      • Wait a moment, then turn it back on. Windows might boot normally or attempt to fix the issue during startup.
    3. Boot into Safe Mode:
      • During startup, after the "Something didn't go as planned" screen, press and hold the power button to shut down. Repeat this 2-3 times to trigger Automatic Repair.
      • In the recovery environment, go to "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced options" > "Startup Settings" > "Restart". Once restarted, press 4 or F4 to enter Safe Mode. If you can boot into Safe Mode, it might indicate that a driver or software issue is causing the loop.
    4. System Restore:
      • If you can access the recovery environment, try System Restore to revert to a point before these issues started (assuming you have restore points). Navigate to "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced options" > "System Restore".

    Fixing File Association Issues:

    1. Reset Default Apps:
      • If you can access Windows settings:
        • Go to Settings > Apps > Default apps. Here, you can reset app associations to default. Click on "Reset" under "Reset to the Microsoft recommended defaults".
    2. Manual File Association:
      • For specific file types:
        • Right-click on the file, choose "Open with" > "Choose another app".
        • Select the appropriate app from the list or find it in your system if it's not listed. Make sure to check "Always use this app to open .[file extension] files" before clicking "OK".
    3. Using Command Prompt for File Associations:
      • If you can access Command Prompt (either from Safe Mode or recovery environment):
        • Use commands like assoc .mp3=mp3file followed by ftype mp3file="C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\Microsoft.ZuneMusic_10.22032.10011.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe\ZuneMusic.exe" "%1" to associate .mp3 files with the Music app. Adjust the path as necessary for different file types and apps.
    4. Reinstall Problematic Apps:
      • Since you've mentioned repairing apps helped before:
        • Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features, find the apps responsible for opening your files, click on them, and choose "Advanced options" then "Repair" or "Reset".
    • Since you mentioned messing with admin settings, ensure your user account has proper administrative privileges. Right-click on the Start button, select "Computer Management", go to "Local Users and Groups" > "Users", right-click your user account, and select "Properties". Ensure you're part of the Administrators group.
    • Be cautious with system-level changes or following guides that alter system settings unless you're sure of the implications. Always back up data before making significant changes.

    If these steps do not resolve your issues, or if you find yourself unable to perform them due to the boot loop, you might need to consider a clean installation of Windows, ensuring you back up your data first. If you're still facing problems, reaching out to Microsoft Support or a professional technician might be necessary. Please let me know if any of these steps work or if you need further assistance.Best regardsDerrick Qian | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments