Windows Explorer behaves oddly


  1. Posts : 14
    Win10
       #1

    Windows Explorer behaves oddly


    When I double click on a drive or directory, normally Explorer shows the contents. Now it displays a message this file does not have a program associated with it for performing this action. Please install a program or if one is already installed, create an association in the Default Programs control Panel.


    I can still see the contents by right clicking Open.

    The message makes no sense. There is no file type to associate.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 5,169
    64bit Win 10 Pro ver 21H2
       #2

    You have possibly been affected by a virus which has inserted hidden autorun.inf files in your drives and directories. Are you aware of any recent problems on your PC that might support this theory?
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 7,254
    Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
       #3

    I would perform a full antivirus scan.
      My Computers


  4. Posts : 14
    Win10
    Thread Starter
       #4

    I have run anti-virus and malware scans. Shows nothing. I suspect new tools, Malswarebytes and IOBit.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 14
    Win10
    Thread Starter
       #5

    RoedyGreen said:
    Now it displays a message this file does not have a program associated with it for performing this action. Please install a program or if one is already installed, create an association in the Default Programs control Panel.
    It is worse than I thought. When I right click on the desktop or the explorer there is no create folder or create shortcut
    Last edited by RoedyGreen; 16 Jun 2016 at 04:07. Reason: typoso
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 7,254
    Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
       #6

    I would consider doing a clean format install.
      My Computers


  7. Posts : 14
    Win10
    Thread Starter
       #7

    swarfega said:
    I would consider doing a clean format install.
    I am postponing that hoping for a rescue with some registry tweak. I can postpone indefinitely. I can select directories with right click open. I can create shortcuts by cloning and modifying an existing one. Reinstalling and reinstalling all software takes at least a couple of days.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 5,169
    64bit Win 10 Pro ver 21H2
       #8

    The only registry solution you could try is to download and merge the .reg files provided for Drive and Directory in the following tutorial (option 2):

    https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/8...dows-10-a.html
      My Computers


  9. Posts : 14
    Win10
    Thread Starter
       #9

    philc43 said:
    The only registry solution you could try is to download and merge the .reg files provided for Drive and Directory in the following tutorial (option 2):

    https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/8...dows-10-a.html
    Bingo. I installed
    Directory.reg
    Folder.reg
    lnk.reg
    and it WORKS! Many thanks
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 5,169
    64bit Win 10 Pro ver 21H2
       #10

    Glad this worked! Please mark the thread as solved so others know.

    Make sure you have created a new system restore point and it would be worth having a system backup as well!

    Best wishes,
    Phil
      My Computers


 

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