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.exe files won't run Windows is asking for an associated file type for .exe files

#1 thor15

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Posted 28 July 2010 - 01:18 AM

Am running XP sp3. Windows won't run .exe files from my wife's login. What did she do? Error messsage pops up asking for the correct program to run file even though file is .exe.

#2 hamluis

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Posted 28 July 2010 - 06:38 AM

System manufacturer and model, please?

Exact wording of error message, please.

Louis

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#3 boethe

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Posted 28 July 2010 - 06:50 AM

The association for exe files is controlled in the system registry. It is possible that this association is corrupted. Working with the system registry is very delicate so I would advise waiting for the more experienced members to work you through troubleshooting and repairing the issue. Providing complete information as requested will help them be comfortable advising you on the issue.

#4 thor15

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Posted 28 July 2010 - 11:43 AM

Thanks guys. It was the registry. Apparently this is a common problem for XP (or challanged XP users). I found an fix (exefix.reg) from http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm that solved the problem.

#5 hamluis

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Posted 28 July 2010 - 12:29 PM

Nice work, very well done :thumbsup:

.

Kelly's webpage has saved many of us unnecessary frustration, happy computing :flowers:

.

Louis

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#6 Andrew

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Posted 28 July 2010 - 12:33 PM

Indeed, I saw the topic title and was just pulling up Kelly's page before I read all the way down!

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#7 boethe

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Posted 28 July 2010 - 04:37 PM

Great, I am glad that approach worked. I recently dealt with a similar issue where the exe association was so badly corrupted that I could not even get explorer to open. Had to go through task manager to get to a DOS window and run regedit and manually do the fix you found as batch file on that web site.