Control Panel control.exe and Explorer crashes

Question

When I tried opening Control Panel, control.exe, or anything else that required the Control Panel GUID, I get a popup error. Same when trying to open any folders in right pane of Windows Explorer. Left pane of WIndows Explorer opens the folders just fine.

{GUIDxxxxxx}

This file does not have program associated with it for performing this action. Please install a program or, if one is already installed, create an association in the Default Programs control panel.

Any idea what is causing this on Windows Server 2016?

I've tried running sfc /scannow, DISM Restoreheath, Reset default app, reboot, chkdsk, no errors related in event log that I can see.

Answer 1

Hello,

Have you tried checking Group Policy settings: User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Control Panel.

Look for the setting called "Prohibit access to Control Panel and PC settings." If it's enabled, set it to "Not Configured" or "Disabled."

Then you could also create a new user account and check if the issue persists when logged in with the new account. This can help determine if the problem is user specific.

Regards,

Karlie