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
    2010-09-04T15:07:16+00:00

    hey i have the same problem..

    i downloaded exefix_cu ,right clicked on merge then run,BUT after that it is giving a warning "REGISTORY EDITING IS DISABLED BY ADMINISTRATOR"

    i am working on window 7

    wat 2 do nw???plz help.....

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  2. Anonymous
    2010-10-02T08:15:15+00:00

    Thanks Brad! These steps fixed my problems but there was actually a bit more to it, after hitting OK below where registered file types are listed there was a "Details for 'EXE' box and in it the dialog stated "Opens with: Notepad! I then had the options to either change what exe opens with or below it there was actually a "restore" button. I simply hit restore and all was good!

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  3. Anonymous
    2010-10-21T06:15:51+00:00

    thank you i have windows seven so the above one didnt work and this realy just saved my life my computer works right again thanks to you well i might have found it myself you just saved me abou 5 hours =)

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