EXE Disassociation
==================
:author: Aaron Ball
:email: nullspoon@iohq.net

I recently fixed a computer with a problem that I have not seen in several
years.

As every IT guy knows, files in Windows typically have an extension and that
extension is what Windows uses to determine which program should be used as the
default for opening that type of file (.docx Microsoft Word, .txt Notepad, .jpg
your image program, etc).

That being said, what program is used to open .exe (executables / programs)
files? I actually am unsure as to the answer for this one. I presume Windows
sees an executable file and knows to run it as a program rather than a file
that is loaded by another program.


[[the-problem]]
== The Problem

Unfortunately, Windows can lose the association between a .exe and how the file
should be run.

This is set in the registry but without the ability to run executable files,
one can't run regedit to make the changes.


[[the-workaround]]
== The Workaround

Make a .reg file that will correct the problem.

Just open the following link, download the file called EXE File Association
Fix, and run it.

[http://www.dougknox.com/xp/file_assoc.htm" target="_blank
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/file_assoc.htm]

Restart your computer after you have run the registry file. After logging in,
your executable assiciation problems should be fixed.

Many thanks to [http://www.dougknox.com/" Doug Knox] for this fix.

Cheers all!


Category:Microsoft
Category:Windows


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