Windows XP file extension association

[Ryan McDivitt]

In the midst of trying to change a file extension, I've run into a problem I can't fix.  I did get the file extension changed from txt to exe (this turned out to be pretty simple, but after the damage was done), but now my problem is that I can no longer open most files from my desktop, such as calculator, Norton Anitvirus, palm desktop, adobe, etc and they all have the exe extension now.  It's basically double click and nothing happens.  I know I did something in the folder options to make all this happen, like trying to create a new extension (exe) in file types, which I deleted right afterward.  Not sure what to do.

[cjkgmgod]

Have you tried restoring your OS to an ealier time before you changed the extensions?

[tallyman]

This may sound silly but I assume it isn't the shortcuts on your desktop which you've changed to .exe files because these aren't programs, they are just ...shortcuts, which would explain why nothing happens when you click on them.  Sorry if I'm insulting your intelligence by this suggestion, but I've seen stranger things done.

[MalikTous]

You managed to crunch the entry for EXE in your registry. Best bet is to use System Recovery to go to the last save point before you snagged it, assuming you use XP, or boot to DOS in Win9x and run

scanreg /fix

or

scanreg /restore

to fix a Win9x registry.

[merlin_2]

Reboot pc and hold down the f8 on boot and chose the last good config........files explained more here>http://support.microsoft.com/kb/q307859/

[Ryan McDivitt]

I tried to do system restore - start menu/accessories/system tools/system restore but when I clicked on it, nothing happened.
So I tried the reboot, f8, last good config and that didn't change things.  I still cannot use an executable file.  Any other ways to do system restore than through the startup menu?

[Neil]

Does it affect all exe or just on the desktop? Try to load an exe program using start > run. if it works that way then it probably means your computer has the exe extention set up incorrectly.

[Ryan McDivitt]

It's affecting all exe, I tried the start/run and I get a pop up that says windows cannot open this file, etc

How do I set up the exe extension correctly?

[merlin_2]

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=814510  read more just in case...

[Neil]

Go in folder options and look at file types. Search for application.

[Ryan McDivitt]

Problem sovled!  I used this website to fix my broken EXE association http://filext.com/info/showthread.php?t=12

Thanks to all for your help, and hope this helps anyone else who makes the same mistake