📎 AI Summary:
The thread discusses a user who mistakenly changed the file association for .exe files using the command "assoc .exe=.xyz," rendering executable files unusable and causing them to open with the "Open with" dialog. Responders suggest remedies: one recommends performing a System Restore to revert to a previous state before the change, while another advises resetting the association to "exefile" with the command "assoc .exe=exefile" to fix the issue. The overall sentiment is helpful, with suggestions aimed at recovering the .exe associations without reinstalling Windows.
M

melbatniji

New Member
Joined
Jan 11, 2012
Messages
2
Thread Author #1
I ran the command "assoc .exe=.xyz"
Now I cannot run any .exe files. At first, whenever I tried to run a .exe file, i got the "Open with" dialogue. Then when I tried to open cmd to try to undo what I have done, I chose cmd.exe at the dialogue. After that, a new cmd opens up whenever I open any of the .exe files.

Help please. How can I recover my .exe file association without having to reinstall windows?

i was experimenting with the command and I did not know that I can break things that way.

Thanks in advance.
 

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MikeHawthorne

MikeHawthorne

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Microsoft Community Contributor
Joined
May 25, 2009
Messages
6,684
#2
Hi

Can you do a Windows System Restore to an earlier restore point?
Or is there no way to start it?

You should be able to run Restore from your Windows disk if you can't start it inside Windows.
But you will need to have restore point that was made before you made the changes.

How to Use a System Repair Disc to Restore Windows 7 - For Dummies

Mike
 

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Saltgrass

Saltgrass

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Microsoft Community Contributor
Joined
Oct 16, 2009
Messages
15,152
#3
Try using

assoc .exe=exefile

You can type assoc /? to get info and switches for the command.
 

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