taskbarpin

anaron · 21 Mar 2022

I just noticed a new context item call taskbarpin. When clicked on, I get a message This file does not have an app associated with performing this action. So far, I have not found a way to remove it. OCD has kicked in. Any suggestions?

Paul Black · 21 Mar 2022

Hello @anaron,

anaron said:

I just noticed a new context item call taskbarpin.

[1] Have you downloaded ANY new programs recently, as some can automatically add an entry into the Context Menu?
[2] If you can, have you looked at the Properties of the Entry?
[3] Have you looked at Programs & Features to see if there is a new Program installed?
[4] Have you searched the Registry?
[5] HAve you got a System Restore Point PRIOR to this that you can try?

anaron · 21 Mar 2022

I found a registry file Computer\HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*. Out of all the files referencing taskbarpin this was the only reg key that did not reference some other function along with taskbarpin. I exported the * folder and deleted it from the registry. The context entry is now gone. Guess I will see how long it stays gone. I found nothing in the registry that referenced a specific program involved. The entry was only on some icons but not others.

MaloK · 21 Mar 2022

If you delete the whole "*" You also deleted your "open with" from list..

You should delete only the pertinent keys under Shell and ShellEx. Also check the "Command" key to find out where the program was located.

Paul Black · 21 Mar 2022

Hello @anaron,

anaron said:

I found a registry file Computer\HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*. Out of all the files referencing taskbarpin this was the only reg key that did not reference some other function along with taskbarpin. I exported the * folder and deleted it from the registry. The context entry is now gone.

MaloK said:

If you delete the whole "*" You also deleted your "open with" from list..

You should delete only the pertinent keys under Shell and ShellEx. Also check the "Command" key to find out where the program was located.

Do you mean that you deleted EVERYTHING from Computer\HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*?

If so, as stated above, you could have problems with the OpenWithList, shell, and shellex, as they also reside under the same Registry Key. Fortunately, it seems that you have Exported the Key, just in case.

Normally in situations like this, the safer option is to either add a - [ Minus ] in front of the relevant Key, or set the value to 0 [ Zero ]. Then once you know what the affect is, then you can delete the Key itself.

I hope this helps.

anaron · 22 Mar 2022

My solution seemed like a good one at the time. Tried to import the reg file but it would not allow it. Says not all data was written to the registry. Some keys are open etc.

I have multiple backup of the OS and when I get time today, I will restore the backup back to the original state so that I can go back to the drawing board and research this issue further.

Callender · 22 Mar 2022

anaron said:

My solution seemed like a good one at the time. Tried to import the reg file but it would not allow it. Says not all data was written to the registry. Some keys are open etc.

Import (merge) in Safe Mode.

Boot into Safe Mode on Windows 10

anaron · 23 Mar 2022

Callender. same issue in safe mode which leads me to think maybe something on the computer is keeping the file open.

Paul Black, I set the HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shell\taskbarpin default value from blank to 0 and it actually renames the context menu entry to 0

Is a context menu entry of "taskbarpin" common as there seems to be no information on the web as to the exact spelling?

- - - Updated - - -

"Command" key

Sorry Malok, I just noticed this. Explain please as I thought this primarily applied to Apple products. Found references as to the Microsoft Logo Key being the windows command key but clicking it on my computer brings up the list of programs.