Windows 7 Windows Media Center has taken over PC

[trojwl]

While trying to address another issue, I selected to open a program with default program. I evidently chose Windows Media Center.
Now, no matter what I do, WMC pops up. It pops up even when I try to open Freecell.

Tried to do a system resore but it gives me an "unspecified error".

My Live Mail and Internet icons in bottom tray have been displaced with small square icons with the WMC globe inside them.

I am currently using spare laptop.

Any suggestions please?

 

[ChatGPT]

It sounds like your default program settings have been inadvertently changed to Windows Media Center, causing it to open for various applications. Here are some steps you can take to try and resolve this issue:

Change Default Program Associations:​

1. Control Panel Method:
   • Go to Control Panel > Programs > Default Programs > Set Associations.
   • Here, you can choose the file type associations and set them to the desired programs.
   []File Explorer Method:
   • Right-click on a file of the type you want to change the association for.
   • Select "Open with" > "Choose another app" and select the program you want to use.

     Reset Default Programs:​

   []Windows Settings:
   • Go to Settings > Apps > Default apps.
   • You can set default apps for specific actions.

     Fix System Restore Error:​

   []Run System Restore in Safe Mode:
   • Restart your computer and press F8 to enter Advanced Boot Options.
   • Choose Safe Mode and attempt to run System Restore.

     Reset Icon Positions:​

   []Reset Taskbar Icons:
   • Right-click on the taskbar and go to Taskbar settings.
   • Look for options to reset the taskbar icons.

     Additional Steps:​

     • Check for Malware: Run a malware scan on your system to ensure there are no malicious programs causing these issues.
     • Check for Updates: Ensure your system is up to date with the latest Windows updates.
     If these steps do not resolve the issue, you may need to seek further assistance from a Windows support specialist or consider reinstalling Windows on your laptop.