Windows 7 Can'T Open Exe Files And Applications! Messed Up With Regedit

John Carlo Lacadin

Member
Joined
Jan 21, 2016
Messages
8
Can't open EXE files. It says "Application not found" or "Windows can't open this file"
I accidentally messed up in the regedit and changed many things I shouldn't have, now all exe file type changed. The extensions itself are not changed but the type is.
For Example
sampleimage.jpg --- JPEG IMAGE <---THIS ONE IS RIGHT
sampleapp.exe --- "1%"%* <---THIS ONE IS THE PROBLEM

I messed up specially in these parts
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.exe
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile

I can't even open regedit now

see the problem yourself if you want

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Solution
You could boot into a Hiren disc and load the registry hive file you messed up and fix the problem assuming you know which settings you broke.
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Since the damage that's been done is extensive and a system restore or system repair might not work. I would suggest a complete factory reinstall if an OEM or a clean install if you have a retail copy.
 
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by the way I could open an application if it's opened by a file
example:
I could not open MS Word by clicking the app, but I can open MS word by opening a .docx file
 
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  • actually fixed it myself. I booted in safe mode and ran regedit there and fixed everything. I fixed this before I got the burned disc so I didn't actually get to use it though I thank you guys for introducing hirens to me.
 
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