Explorer.EXE This file does not have an app associated with it for performing this action.

Anonymous
2023-09-26T09:11:15+00:00

Hi all, if you have been getting this image/pop up

Explorer.EXE This file does not have an app associated with it for performing this action. Please install an app or, if one is already installed, create an association in the Default Apps Settings page.

We are pretty sure it is due to OneDrive.

What the issue is with it - we are not sure - any ideas on how to fix this, that would be great!

Once we find a fix, I will mark as solution so others can take a look and see

Thanks,

Microsoft 365 and Office | OneDrive | Other | Windows

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  1. Anonymous
    2024-01-03T20:49:36+00:00

    Try these two things:

    1. Search and open "File Explorer Options"
    2. Select an option in the "Open File Explorer to:" drop down menu

    My drop down menu was blank. When I selected an option, the issue was resolved.

    If that does not work:

    You can try to edit the Registry: https://www.winhelponline.com/blog/fix-file-association-error-explorer-in-windows/?expand\_article=1

    I did this first and found that my registry values were already correct.

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  2. Anonymous
    2023-11-13T19:25:22+00:00

    I've been having the same problem and keep getting these pop-ups at random. After some googling, I found this blog post that has a few solutions to try. The only thing I could try was updating File Explorer Options to open file explorer to This PC per suggestion number 4. Maybe this will help?

    https://www.koskila.net/how-to-fix-this-file-does-not-have-an-app-associated-with-it-for-performing-this-action-in-windows-10-11/

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  3. Anonymous
    2023-09-26T13:15:52+00:00

    As an FYI to all users with this issue:

    The following that has been tested does not work:

    Methods We Have Tried:

    • SFC Scannow (Failed)
    • Profile Reset (Failed)
    • Take BitLocker out (False lead)
    • Check LNKFILE on Reg Edit (Failed)
    • Check Folder/explore/command on Reg Edit (Failed)

    When resetting the sync client, it replicates the issue and pops up with 5-6 of them at one time

    I will however forward this on to my colleague :)

    Maybe my colleague is doing it a different way, I am not too sure - Will keep you updated!

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  4. Anonymous
    2024-05-21T05:59:21+00:00

    It is getting worse. This appeared overnight. 24 of them. Normally I get 6 or 8.

    It would surely be helpful for the debugging if Microsoft would modify this error message to say which file.

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  5. Anonymous
    2023-09-26T11:37:49+00:00

    Dear leuan McGuckin,

    Good day!!

    Apologies for the inconvenience caused and please don’t worry, let’s work together on your concern and move towards a resolution path.

    I understand your concern and would like to confirm whether you are encountering the error after any recent Windows update. If yes, you can try System File Checker tool to repair missing or corrupted system files, here is the reference article: Use the System File Checker tool to repair missing or corrupted system files

    If not, please reset the OneDrive sync client and check whether the same problem happens. Reference: Reset OneDrive - Microsoft Support

    If still the same problem persists after resetting the OneDrive sync client, please follow the below steps and check the outcome:

    Step 1: Click on the OneDrive icon in the task bar> Help & Settings> Settings> Account> Make sure to unlink any Office 365 account connected to OneDrive sync including personal OneDrive.

    Step 2: Quit OneDrive sync client> Uninstall the OneDrive sync client (Turn off, disable, or uninstall OneDrive - Microsoft Support)

    Step 3: Open the File Explorer> C drive> Users> Folder with the user profile having the problem> AppData> Local> OneDrive> Move the Cache folder to Desktop> Go back to Local folder path> Go to Microsoft folder> OneDrive> Move the complete folders to Desktop location.

    Step 4: Go to the Control Panel> User Accounts> Credential Manager> Windows Credentials> Remove/Delete identities related to OneDrive.

    Step 5: Restart the PC> Install the OneDrive sync client (OneDrive release notes - Microsoft Support – download and install the latest Production version)> Setup the user account on the OneDrive sync client and make sure to select the new location instead of choosing Use this folder> Check the behavior.

    If still the same problem persists, can you please confirm whether the same problem happens with other users in your organization?

    Moreover, if you have tried any other troubleshooting methods, please feel free to share here.

    Appreciate your patience and understanding. Have a great day!!

    Best Regards,

    Sophia

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