Windows 7 - No program associated........

Question

I have Windows 7 Professional, suddenly, now, when I try to open a file I get the message "This file does not have a program associated with itfor performing this action."  I have tried the fix adding "IsShortcut" into HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\linkfile but that disn't work.  Can you give me another fix for Windows 7?

Answer 1

From your earlier description, it appears as if your file association defaults have been changed.  Because file associations should spontaneously change, it seems likely that malware caused it. 

Make sure that Windows is configured to show file extensions:

• Open Windows Explorer (the file manager)
• Click Tools
• Click Folder options
• Click the View tab
• UNcheck the box to "Hide extensions for known file types"
• Click OK

Pick one of the files that you can't open.

• Go to the seven forums link in my earlier reply.
• Download the reg file that corresponds to the file extension of the file you picked.  For example, if one of the files you can't open is a jpg image file, download "Default_JPG.reg"
• Follow the directions at the top of the seven forums page

Does the file open now?

Assuming the file opens, follow the above process for each file type for which you have the problem.

You should be notified automatically when someone posts to a thread that you started or to which you posted a reply.

If you go to your original question (click HERE), you should see a little envelope icon at the top.  That means that you subscribed to the thread and should receive email notifications whenever anyone replies to the thread.

Similarly, at the bottom of your original question, you should see a "Me Too" button followed by 3 links.  If you see "Stop emails" you should be getting email notifications.  If you see "Subscribe" you won't be getting notifications, so if you want them, click the "Subscribe" link.

Answer 2

I have AVG Antivius v16.121.7859, latest updates applied, nothing found.

I had already run Malwarebytes,  but this may have been out of date so I followed your suggestion and downloaded the latest version and ran it.  It found 35 suspects which it quarantined.

I downloaded EST and ran it, which found nothing.

How would I know if Malware had altered any of the defaults?

I am no further forward, I still have the same problem. 

BTW, how do I know if you have posted something? I had expected to be notified.  Sorry, that is why I am slow responding, 'cos I don't know you have sent me a message.

My email address is ******@accountingbycomputer.co.uk.

Answer 3

This sounds as if your computer has been infected with malware.

What is the name and version of your antivirus program?

What other security software is installed?

Can you run programs?  If the answer is yes, I suggest that you

• Download, install, update, and run the free version of MalwareBytes AntiMalware (https://www.malwarebytes.com/mwb-download/)
• Run the free ESET online virus scanner (https://www.eset.com/us/online-scanner/)

You can restore the default file type associations by following the instructions here, but if they have been altered by malware, you need to clean your machine first:  http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/19449-default-file-type-associations-restore.html

Answer 4

Any file in the C: drive or in the external Hard Drive.  But if I right click I can "open in a new window".   At the top of that dropdown it says CMD; does that help at all?

Answer 5

I have Windows 7 Professional, suddenly, now, when I try to open a file I get the message "This file does not have a program associated with itfor performing this action."  I have tried the fix adding "IsShortcut" into HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\linkfile but that disn't work.  Can you give me another fix for Windows 7?

It would really help us to help you if you would tell us what kind of file you are asking about.