this file does not have a program associated

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?

 

Assuming you use xp, see if this works:

Easy File Associations

 

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.

 

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

 

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

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.