All programs open with Windows media center

Question

Window media centre file as taken control of all my files .... instead of my file showing the IE logo my files now display the windows media logo .... I can not open any files or connect to the internet ! all files now direct me to the media centre . HELP

Answer 1

Hi Globaltime,

1.    Have you made any recent changes on the computer?

2.    Are you able to access programs available on the start menu?

Method 1

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Run the fix it available in the below Microsoft article and check if it works.

When you run an .exe file on a Windows Vista-based or Windows 7-based computer, the file may start a different program

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950505

Method 2

If the above step fails then you will need to restore the file associations for the programs that are opening using Windows media center.

Change which programs Windows uses by default

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Change-which-programs-Windows-uses-by-default

Hope this helps!

Halima S   - Microsoft Support.

Visit our  Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.

Answer 2

Window media centre file as taken control of all my files .... instead of my file showing the IE logo my files now display the windows media logo .... I can not open any files or connect to the internet ! all files now direct me to the media centre . HELP

Also see if this information helps:

http://www.winhelponline.com/articles/165/1/Restore-the-exe-file-association-in-Windows-Vista-after-incorrectly-associating-it-with-another-application.html

Restore the .exe file association in Windows Vista, after incorrectly associating it with another application

[http://www.mydigitallife.info/2008/06/22/reset-and-fix-broken-windows-vista-file-ext-and-type-associations-include-exe-com-sys-zip-lnk-folder-drive/](http://www.mydigitallife.info/2008/06/22/reset-and-fix-broken-windows-vista-file-ext-and-type-associations-include-exe-com-sys-zip-lnk-folder-drive/)

Reset and Fix Broken Windows Vista File Ext and Type Associations (Include EXE, COM, SYS, ZIP, LNK, Folder, Drive)

http://www.winhelponline.com/articles/105/1/File-association-fixes-for-Windows-Vista.html

File association fixes for Windows Vista

How to set File Associations:

[http://articles.techrepublic.com.com/5100-10878_11-6172036.html](http://articles.techrepublic.com.com/5100-10878_11-6172036.html)

How do I... Change file extension associations in Windows Vista?  

Cheers.

* * *

Mick Murphy - Microsoft Partner

Answer 3

Hi

Globaltime; were you able to fix the problem?

I have the same; all my programs & files opens in WMC.

Can't even run a virus scan or any other program.

Does anyone have a solution?

Thanks,

Freddie

Answer 4

I have the exact same problem.  

How do you fix it if you can't get to the Internet?

Answer 5

Method 1 from the answer above worked for me in Windows 7. Apparently all my EXEs were being opened by Windows Media Center. I couldn't even run Calculator.

I booted from hirens boot cd and loaded up the external registry file and modified the registry as per the instruction in Method 1. Rebooted and everything's back to normal again. Hmm.. :/