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
    2012-04-09T02:04:57+00:00

    Vi Jay,

    The solution in

    http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950505#LetMeFixItMyselfAlways

    will let you execute a program and then you can create the same .reg file to correct the problem.  Mine was Win 7 as well.

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  2. Anonymous
    2012-04-06T08:26:37+00:00

    but in my windows 7.... in cmd the regedit command is itself not working .... what is the solution for this ....can you get me the clear picture of this problem... iam using all .exe programs in sandbox its torturing me ... plz help out soon...

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  3. Anonymous
    2012-04-03T19:54:13+00:00

    For anyone who find that all your .EXE files are set to start up with the wrong COMMAND.COM you will find that every executable launches command.com and leaves you at a C:> prompt.  This is particularly bad problem because you can't "open with" or launch any executable like regedit to fix the problem.

    I finally gave up on help from my company IT desk and paid for a Just Answers tech solution.  Very skeptical at first but was desperate for a solution.  The inly solution that worked was using the following as it finally gave me an executable program in which to make the changes.

    http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950505#LetMeFixItMyselfAlways

    It was worth the $ I had to pay for it to have it fixed quickly!!

    Good Luck.

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