exe files open with adobe reader

Anonymous
2009-04-02T00:14:11+00:00

i accidentally changed my default thing to adobe reader, how do i turn it back? all my .exe files opens with adobe reader now, System restore doesnt work(adobe reader reads it) i cant uninstall adobe reader, there is no "open with..." on any .exe file options and i tried the default programs thing in control panel and clicked on the protocol etc but i cant find .exe . i cant run any .exe file now coz adobe reader is the default. any help? thanks

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Anonymous
2009-04-02T08:09:38+00:00

Hello JohnDeCastro,

Thank you for posting. 

Many times ppl face problems while opening .EXE files.

  • The EXE file opens in Notepad.
  • EXE file opens in some other installed programs.
  • Windows displays "Open With" dialog box to choose the program.
  • Windows shows error message, "Windows cannot find .exe file. Make sure you typed the name correctly".

Most of the times it happens when you accidentally change .Exe file type settings from Folder Options. Sometimes it might happen due to virus.

Anyway no need to worry. Here is a solution which will fix this annoying problem:

1. Open Command Prompt by typing command in RUN dialog box.

2. Now provide following command:

cd\windows

3. It'll activate Windows folder. Now provide following command to open

Registry Editor:

regedit

4. Now goto following key:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT.exe

In right-side pane, change value of Default key to exefile

5. Now goto:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile\shell\open\command

In right-side pane, change value of Default key to:

"%1" %*

6. Thats it. Now exit Registry Editor and restart your Windows. Now you should be able to open EXE files without any problem.

Please let me know if this helps you.

Zack

Microsoft Answers Support Engineer

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Anonymous
2011-11-19T09:57:24+00:00

I managed by going to:

default programs from the start button

associate a file type or protocol with a program

found .acrobatsecuritysettings

double clicked on it clicked on browse and found office word

it really worked

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  1. Anonymous
    2013-02-09T04:59:52+00:00

    Same problem above. All my .exe files open with Adobe Reader. Stuck at step number 5. I can't find "HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile\shell\open\command" 

    Can you help me with this? Thanks!

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  2. Anonymous
    2013-03-24T19:59:51+00:00

    Hello Zack,

         I'm using the most recent version of Windows 7 and following your instructions I came up with a few problems.

         First, Some of the Registry Edit Folders and files aren't there. Same with some of the file types, like the directory HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile...

         Second, since  I accidentally set Adobe Reader 11 to open exe files, I can't open the Command Prompt or the Registry Edit Programs.

         I would appreciate it if you posted an updated version of this.

              -Ryan

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  3. Anonymous
    2013-08-04T06:56:15+00:00

    Sir, i have the same problem with john decastro.. i try to use your solution but my command also i s affected by the problem.

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