How do i restore the program that opens lnk files to defualt

Anonymous
2009-11-27T22:28:45+00:00

I just upgraded to windows 7

While trying to edit an lnk file my kid has managed to set all lnk files & application on my pc to open with explorer (the file in the windows directory)

Now when it is turned on the pc opens explorer over and over untill it locks up. I can't open any programs, safe mode dose not help. I can right click on the files but cant seem to change the defualt program option as it is grayed out. Can you help me reset this.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Files, folders, and storage

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Anonymous
2009-11-27T23:26:49+00:00

Click Start Menu, and then type regedit in the Start Search and press ENTER.

Navigate to the following registry branch:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExts.lnk

Click on the arrow to expand it and delete the sub-key named UserChoice.

Exit from Registry Editor.

Reboot

VP Tech Services

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-02-05T07:39:36+00:00

    Hi EbleyMan,

    I received notification that you replied to my post.  I don't know if I can help.  I need a little more info first.  Please tell me how the .lnk association was changed.  Describe, as best you can, the details of what happened and what is currently going on. 

    Thanks,

    Sharon2850

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  2. Anonymous
    2014-02-03T16:13:28+00:00

    I've tried this but I don't have 'UserChoice' displayed. Desperate for some help, please.

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  3. Anonymous
    2013-12-01T22:31:48+00:00

    Ross,

    YOU SAVED MY LIFE!

    I was in the Picture, and a folder was named something.lnk.  I tried to open it and could not.  So, not realizing I was about to change the file association for all .lnk files, I thought I was setting just that folder to open with Microsoft Picture Manager.  The file opened all right and I saw the couple of pictures stored in there.  But when I closed the program, I was horrified to see that all the icons on my desktop were changed to the icon for Microsoft Picture Manager.  I could not open a single one of them.  I did get to file explorer and was devasted to see that most of my programs had been set to open with the picture manager.  I tried a system restore, but that did not work.

    Finally, after three hours of guessing at what program opened .lnk files, I realized that I was dead.  At long last, I finally got the idea to go oon the internet and search for what program to associate with .lnk files.  I had to use a friend's computer because mine would not open internet explorer.  The first suggestion Google listed was your answer to JamesOROBINSON in his 2009 question in Microsoft Community about how to reset the .lnk file association.

    I followed your directions exactly and, lo and behold, my entire computer was restored and working. 

    THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH and thanks to the Community for keeping the site open.

    Best wishes,

    Sharon

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  4. Anonymous
    2013-10-08T17:23:27+00:00

    Thank you so much!!It helped and worked!!!!I owe you one:)Many thanks

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