this file does not have a program associated

[elmyragulch]

Anytime I try to click on any program aside from ie my computer displays this error "this file does not have a program associated with it for performing this action. Create an association in the Folder Options control panel." The dilemma is that I have no idea how to do this, even my help option is no longer an option it responds with the same message. Have any ideas how I can fix this guy?

 

[mike5532g]

Assuming you use xp, see if this works:

Easy File Associations

 

[elmyragulch]

i have looked into all the different file extensions and associations. they are accurate in my folder options control panel. this is something different. i can not even do a system restore. it is like i am locked out of everything on my computer except ie.

 

[mike5532g]

A couple of more things to try:

304449 - How to start the System Restore tool at a command prompt in Windows XP

307852 - How to start your computer by using the Last Known Good Configuration feature in Windows XP

 

[natcom]

what is the file is asking for associations? and if i was you i check the pc for virus and spyware

 

[elmyragulch]

when i go into the folder options control panel it asks you what you want to open programs with, and they are all accurate right now. I would check for virus and spyware, but i can not run anything on my computer. it is seriously like my computer has locked me out of it. the only thing i have access to is ie. it is really making me crazy.

 

[techkid]

So you are trying to run executable (.exe) files?

 

[elmyragulch]

i am trying to run any files.. like i said i don't even have access to most of the control panel options. it is bizarre.

 

[maxim730]

do you get an any errors? esp. lsass.exe? what happens when you try to open anything in Control Panel? I'd follow natcom's suggestion and scan your comp for viruses

 

[elmyragulch]

When i try to open my antivirus scan it gives me the same error. "this file does not have a program associate..." blah blah blah. so i can't run the antivirus. that very same error comes up when i try to use certain options such as system restore in my control panel. i am so clueless and non-technologically suave, i am really hoping someone can help me.

 

[KHolloman]

go to my security tools link.
Run Housecall Scan.

Then download Spybot and/or Adaware and fix what it finds.

Finally, download HijackThis and save it to it's own personal folder, scan it, save the log and paste it here.

 

[elmyragulch]

so i was able to do a system restore from safe mode with a prompt. my computer was running fine, and again today it began to display the same errors as it was before i did the restore. i am not at all sure what is going on with this computer. i am going to try to do the system restore again, but i am pretty sure that this will happen again in the future. what can i do to prevent it from happening? i am going to system restore and then i will run hijack this and post those findings...we'll see what happens

 

[jazzbass1969]

so i was able to do a system restore from safe mode with a prompt. my computer was running fine, and again today it began to display the same errors as it was before i did the restore. i am not at all sure what is going on with this computer. i am going to try to do the system restore again, but i am pretty sure that this will happen again in the future. what can i do to prevent it from happening? i am going to system restore and then i will run hijack this and post those findings...we'll see what happens

I am having the exact same problem. I suspect we have a virus of some sort. I will be watching for a solution.