All .exe files are now notepads? help!

[matt100]

Somehow I've managed to make all my .exe files open with notepad..

literally nothing except IE is working and I can't get into my control panel via the link in the start menu..

I'm using vista 32..

HELP!!!!

 

[matt100]

system restore?
checked for any viruses?

isn't system restore in the control panel?

I don't think its a virus, I'm pretty sure it was me faffing with poweriso.

 

[matt100]

no system restore is:

start>accessories>system tool>system restore

opens in......

bloody notepad!

 

[matt100]

lmfao, you could try it in safe mode. This might result in a format. Don't you have an image you can go back on like ghost or acronis? If not, its about time your learnt an image system.

I'm glad this amuses you.. A format is probably a good idea and no I don't have an image because I don't need one! I can get to all the game saves/outlook files I need and I don't store anything precious on the boot drive and I back it up on a NAS.

 

[matt100]

Tried my link yet?

I did and it didn't work as its xp and I'm vista but it did point me in the right direction of searching google for a reg fix which has now worked.. cheers!

 

[matt100]

Right click > open With...?

wasn't the option... don't know if thats a vista thing?

 

[matt100]

sorry guys...

basically by searching around for various permutations of windows vista file extensions and reset/set/fix etc I found this site..

http://www.winhelponline.com/articles/105/1/File-association-fixes-for-Windows-Vista.html

and you can fix any file extension you like there. I downloaded the .exe one and it did the trick

Interestingly one site mentioned using something to mount a drive which is what I was doing with power iso (fnar) and thats what bust it... no control panel, no open with, no ccleaner etc etc.. bit scary for a moment!

Cheers to all, merry xmas