Henry asks:
I’ve been using a computer for several years now, so I have absolutely no excuse for this mistake. The phone rang and I hit a ok before I checked and I’ve killed Windows 7.
I was trying to get a program to open and I used Open with; I changed the *.lnk to open with the application and forgot to uncheck the Always Open With option. Now I can’t use any of my shortcuts. I know I should have doen a backup as soon as I got my system, but it doesn’t seem to like any of the CD’s I’ve tried to use to backup. I can work on that later, for now I would just like to know if there is any fix for screwing up my *.lnk files?
This question has been resolved. You may still add an answer if you think you can add something to the discussion though.
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THANK YOU!!!!!
it works but the icons are not changed
!!!ANSWER to this QUESTION!!!
Unfortunately, the original comment was lost when we switched comment systems. However, the solution is still here!
Option 2:
Download registry fix for the LNK file association here and follow instructions on the page.
Briefly, unpack ZIP file, right-click REG file and select merge. Administrator rights required!
thnx alot
where the hell is the answer to this question???
(
i screwed up my win 7 just like Henry did..
Now what should i do
Option 2: Download the registry fix for the LNK file association here, unpack ZIP file, right-click REG file and select merge, let it do it’s thing and you should be good. Administrator rights required!
What is The procedure I cant see it It just says question resolved where is the instructions To Fix?
Sorry! We recently switched our comment system and it looks like some comments were lost.
Option 2 is using a registry fix. You can find the fix here.
Download the ZIP file, unpack, run the .reg file and when it asks to merge with registry, let it do that.
Good luck!
Thanks tina!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks Tina, it works!!!!
thankxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx dudeeeeeeeeee
Great! All is working fine now!
Hi, how to do this on Vista?
Same procedure. Use the registry fix (Option 2). It actually is made for Windows Vista, but works in Windows 7 too.
I did this! I tried to get a DVD to run on iTunes rather than Windows Media Payer, and clicked ‘open with’. It then turned EVERYTHING into iTunes! I ended up taking the easy route out and doing a system restore to yesterday, which has fixed it, although I did have to reinstall GoogleChrome, but that wasn’t a problem.
Just download his 2nd option.
Then restart your computer and it works perfect.
I don’t know why windows 7 has the always open with box checked off. It screwed me up soo bad untill i downloaded option #2
It works fine.You can do it manually by deleting the “UserChoice” entry from the registry[HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerFileExts.lnkUserChoice]
Awesome..thank you. I was going crazy trying to get this fixed after my husband was on our NEW computer. Thank you thank you thank you. Second fix did the trick
Thank you so much Aibek!! I thought my computer was screwed but then i followed your option 2 and it worked!
Thanks again!
glad to hear it worked)
All my programs had the .lnk file extension and I kept getting an adobe acrobat error message. I was in a state because I had an assignment due in and I didn’t have a back-up. I just started checking for ways to fix my computer and came across this site. I tried option 2, turned off my computer and turned it back on and all is well, again. Thanks for the great info, it worked.
thanks alottt tina….:-)
The guy in my it department said id have to wipe my comp, so glad i didnt ur like my jesus atm thx
Thanks a lot
Thank you so much
thank you thank you thamnk you
i mean anyone with the same problem can try the second option …the 1st one failed….so it will take you just a few minutes to repair the problem
thanks a ton aibek…..:D
but you should be very careful messing with your computer registry. you can really mess up your system to the point where it wont work.
thank you thank you thank you
i mean anyone with the same problem can try option 2….option 1 didnt work and it took seconds for the software 2 download…..everything will be fine in 5 minutes
aibek, thank you cho much
hi…. thanks a lot … very2x much… wew … i really thought that i will not be able to fix my problem about this lnk.,… thnx aibek…
thx very much. the first option wont work most of the time so just follow the second option.
thanks dear Aibek………. it resolved all problem n my tension thanks alot…..
thanx a lot..
i am so happy now…thankxx alot..i dont know u but thanks alot again..Aibek
Thanks a lot. You re a saint.
The 2nd option It worked like a charm!
Thanks so much. After reading all comments, I tried the second solution first even though I was afraid I would screw things up even worse. Worked like a charm !
Glad it worked, Brigitte!
Please help!Which program opens *.lnk file types?
Nikolas,
LNK file types aren’t really files, they are just shortcuts that link to programs or files. Please use the registry fix, i.e. option 2. This should fix the issue, as many people who have commented before you found. Good luck!
Thank you Aibek!!!!! Option 2 worked for me! I searched many websites with no help, until i found this one:) THank you again!
nothing is working all icons in start menu and desktop have changed adobe even vlc daemon tools bittorrent are affected neither 2 options is working
Arora,
do you have any idea what caused the issue in the first place?
Did you try Windows System Restore to go back to a previous Windows restore point? Follow the instructions in this article: How To Fix Your PC Using Windows Restore in XP, Vista & 7
Good luck!
2nd one worked for windows 7. thanks a ton.
Thank you so much Aibek for the Option 2 and Tina for recommending it. Much appreciated
i have a simaler problen i set winrar to openall game and simler files and cant figer out how to fix it
my God!!!!!!! you guys are wonderful…. i thank God that i logged into this site. i had the same lnk problem and i just followed the link below, ran the application, restarted my system, annnnnnnnddd!!!!! whaaalaaaaa am back on…… once again guys thanks alot
thanks a lo!!!! the 2nd option did work for me!!!!
Aibek, youre the best! Thank you so much
Worked Perfectly!
thank you so much it works =]
im reallllllllllyyy thankful to this website … i was in trouble but now im so happy for solution i got wiith the help of makeuseof.com thanks… wishing you more success in the future
Thank you so much…I was really scared…thanks a lot.
Abhiroop
India
Thank you aibek your a life saver
it really helps
By the way you are a genius. You saved me alot of money, time and panic!!!!!!!!!
glad could be helpful
I could not get my start menu icons to work and when I clicked on them I would get an error that said something about Java (TM) 6 Update 3, blah, blah that downloaded just before I had this problem. The icons all turned into java coffe cups that did not work. I fixed it by deleting that new Java version AND then clicking on the Option 2 link that you suggested. I hit the “run” button and poof the Start Menu icons now work and open up the respective files. Now, how can I change the Start Menu icons to look like they did before instead of the new, blank sheets of paper-type of icons?
did you try the fix we posted here?
If this started happening recently I suggest trying System Restore first. To access System Restore right click My Computer icon on the Desktop and select Properties
Click on System Protection and you should see System restore option. Follow restore procedure.
Aibek
Thanks sooooooo much Aibek I couldn’t find a solution anywhere
Thank you so much. It fixed everything
I think that i shoud rewrite my windows …
Hello!!! What a great help! I fixed my PC in 5 seconds. Thanks!!!
What if I cannot find the .lnk file extension?
try the option with the download.
Thank-you a million times over, I have piles of h-work to do and every file was opening in photo gallery as blank–this fix saved me money
you’re welcome!
Aibek thnx for solution
i.love.you
thank you so much!
providing tech support to my girlfriend through TeamViewer.
the registry edit file you provided was perfect.
thank you!
Thank you
Dear Aibek ,
Thank you ver much for this helpful topic , thanks thanks ….
you’re welcome!
many thanx,
i solved the problem with in a min using the second option.
Happy new year and thanx indeed for your great help.
Cheers;
Usher Kagz K
Hi all,
I have a same problem….i need to remove unwanted program for .Dll
file.
I’ve successfully followed these steps:
HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerFileExts[file
extension]OpenWithList.
Then I checked the
Recommended Program List for .Dll file. But unwanted program was still
there in list. So i thought changes might be reflected after reboot.
But even after reboot it was showing the program in list.
I’ve again confirmed that key is deleted or not…key was removed
properly…do we need to follow some other steps in addition to
aforementioned steps???
I also tried Ccleaner but it doesnt help also.
Any help in this regard will be greatly appreciated.
Hi Joeri,
After you made the changes what happens when you trey to open the .dll file? Does it work as expected? Any similar with files other than .dll?
The fact that the program is listed under Recommended Program List isn’t really a big deal.
Aibek
Correction. It was the 2nd one that worked thanks.
Thank you soooo much. The first one worked. Happy New Year
thanx
how can i fix .lnk files
Hello, what is your operating system? The reason I ask is because this files are different for operating system. If you are using windows 7, you can use the vista version. These are the links:
For Wiindows 7:
http://www1.k9webprotection.com/
For Vista:
http://www.winhelponline.com/articles/105/1/File-association-fixes-for-Windows-Vista.html
For XP:
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/file_assoc.htm
What you do is the following:
– visit any of the links according to your operating system
– scroll down until you find the lnk link
– click on it to download
– file will be downloaded in a zip extension
– once file is downloaded, unzip with windows tool
– double click on extracted file with a .reg extension
– when it asks you if you want to merge with registry, select yes
– restart your computer
Let me know if it works.
DEAR SIR
WHEN I START WINDOWS ALL THE FILE IN THE DESKTOD TURNS INTO NOTEPOADPLEASE GVE ME SOLUTION STEP BY STEP PLEASE HELP ME
I recommend you ask this as a new question on MakeUseOf Answers, http://www.makeuseof.com/answers/
somebody please tell me what i should do?!! have the exact same problem but dont see the solution anywhere
Hello, if you are using windows 7, visit the link provided below. Scroll down until you find the lnk entry. Download it and then follow the instructions on the link itself. It will tell you everything you need to do:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/19449-default-file-type-associations-restore.html
Thank yot so much from Aibek. for 2th solution.
Thank you so much,
you are help me much more.
Thanks…
woooooooooooowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww ….tx for your help ….txxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx bro
Thank you so much it worked
Thank you so much, it is really works for win7
Thxxx so much for helping,Option 2 wrked so quickly and so well!
:):)
I got this same problem because of a virus fix. I added a couple default programs in the set association panel but obviously no cigar. I was happy to find this fix but unfortunatly I still have the exact same problem after amending the fix into my registry. I’d take your advice and start a new thread but I don’t know what to ask and you guys seem to be on top on things. Any other ideas?
Restore you pc, using system restore to a restore point when it worked fine without any problem.
Hi
Download FixExeLnk
http://www.ptorris.com/outils.php
Its in french, so after extraction click on FixExeLnk.exe and then check the three box and click on appliquer.
Hi
Download FixExeLnk
http://www.ptorris.com/outils.php
Its in french, so after extraction click on FixExeLnk.exe and then check the three box and click on appliquer.
Hello, was your computer infected really bad? How was it cleaned? Is your operating system windows 7? Can you download superantispyware and give your computer a full scan? This is the link for portable version of the program. It will download with a file with the .com extension, so you shouldn’t have a problem running it. Because it is the portable version of program, you can run it from a flashdrive. You do not have to update…it already is.
http://www.superantispyware.com/portablescanner.html?tag=SAS_HOMEPAGE
This is what you can do:
– download program either to computer or flashdrive
– double click on the file downloaded SAS_XXXXXXX.com
– enter password if needed
– click on ok for default language
– click on preferences and make sure to only leave unmarked the following:
ignore system restore
– click on the home icon
– make sure to select complete scan
– click on scan
– let full scan complete and remove any entries found (if any)
– restart system to complete cleaning of entries found.
I am just trying to make sure your system is clean. Ok, now download the portable edition of re-enable:
http://www.tangosoft.co.uk/downloads.html
Once program is downloaded, do the following:
– double click on file downloaded
– enter password if needed
– click on run
– make sure all options are marked
– click on re-enable
– once that is done, on menu click on Tools
– select repair explorer.exe startup problems
Let me know if it was fixed or if superantispyware found any entries. Reply to my message instead of just replying. If you reply to my message, I’ll get your answer. If you just reply, I will not.
thank you
the first option worked for me on windows 7
thank you
Great solution, one of my colleagues had managed to set all his shortcuts to open with nero and this fixed it instantly, thanks!!
Thank you, thank so much you save me
Thanks for the above…. it worked very nice.
ROCK STAR… thanx worked for me
your solution was very accurate
my comment:(
Hello. I from Mongolia. Just had a similar problem. All my .lnk turned into an .Lnk . . . turned them into an MSWORD program executable. i tried to fix into control panel, but my system language is in Korean. that was very hard to me. cuz i’m Mongolian. i dunno Korean 100%. then i used that download link and now everything is back to normal,,thanks a
lot for that,even tech guys could’nt help me with this one,,thanks again
how to convert lnk files back to defult above said is not working.. all my desktop icons and the icons in start have been changed to lnk files
please refer to the very first answer/comment here for an easy fix.
thanks a lot man ur awesome nice work keep it up
Thanks a lot man! It fixed my problem.U genius boy!
Splendid!!! It worked!!! I downloaded the software and when i restarted everything was back to normal!!! Thanks a lot
Thanx Dude.. it’s working…
The link works perfect in windows 7 and vista
to OP: Much thanks!
wowwwwwwwwwwww! Perfect!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I had thesame problem and i tried your solution.It really worked. Thank you for posting such helpful information
Thank u soooooooooooooooooooooo much dude it had really troubled me alot thanks it really works……
i have the same problem ’bout the .lnk file type, at this moment i tried to re-open one of my apps using (open with) and i choose windows media player after clicking it all of the icons were gone to windows movie player at first they were all internet explorer icons,what should i do?help plss..
Thanks.. its working for win 7 …superb
Thanks.. its working for win 7 …superb
thaks you very much for the idea because after a long process i found your solution it was done esily.
thanks alot ,same problem as all the others.
was breaking my brain to solve this problem, untill i d-loaded this little tool
love you allways
dude thank you ! i the first one does not work on my pc so i downloaded the it work thanks !!
Yesssssssssss i had this problem a long time ago… thksssssss a lot
Whenever I do option 1 I choose the LNK file but when I click choose program it opens another tab asking what program to open this file…
whenever I do option 2 I try to change the icon for example but it never saves of changes
What exactly happens when you apply the registry fix of option 2? It should automatically fix your lnk file associations.
yes it automatically fix
thanks a lot…
i fixed it..
glad it worked!
After download the option 2, what should i do then?? i dont understand what do u mean by unzip it, and run it. It will make necessary changes to the registry. help me help me
The file in option two is a ZIP archive. You can unzip it (open it) using free tools like 7-zip or Windows’ WinZip. After extracting the archive, you will have the actual registry fix file. Just double-click it, it should ask whether it shall merge with your registry and you need to confirm this. That’s how the fix is applied.
Thank you so much!
THANKS YR ARE A GENIUS
Thanks man. . Great one. .. Worked well just like that. . .
Option 2 work well with me aswell… the first option is quite easy for us newcomers however doesn’t shed light to the program to select. in the case that there was a program associated with it, how do you change it using option one to return to original i.e. shortcut file without editing the registry?
If you don’t want to return to the registry than you need to know which program used to be associated with particular file type and re-associate (using right-click menu) it for each broken file type.
YAY Hooray……Even my computer guy could not tell me what to do. Have been going nuts with this for months……….Voila…….the zip undid all the mess and corrected it all. THANK YOU!!!!
Glad it worked!
Aibek, you seriously just saved my life. I’ve spent the last 45 minutes looking for a solution to this problem. Thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou
you’re welcome
Aibek, you seriously just saved my life. I’ve spent the last 45 minutes looking for a solution to this problem. Thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou
It didnt work for my lnk files(folders) in my mobile phone(appear as removable disk). Any idea?
Ckshea,
sounds like you are having a different issue. What mobile operating system are you running on your phone? Since you are unlikely to receive a response within this comment thread, I recommend you to ask a new question. Please provide a thorough description of your issue and what you have already tried to fix it. Thank you!
Now my problem was solved. Thanks for your advice!
it’s actually works! thank you so much!
I thought I need to reformat my PC. *Lol
I am a same problem have changed *.lnk file to microsoft word somehow now i can i bring it to default and what is the default file which i should assocaite *.lnk file to ? Please let me know
Bash,
please use the registry fix described in the second option. This one has worked for dozens of people that have commented before you.
Awesome, it worked so cool.
Also, the download for Option 2 is for VISTA. Not Windows 7. Could you please post the link to the WINDOWS 7 version of the program?
Apparently, the file name is misleading, because it DOES work for Windows 7 as well as Vista.
Wait, so what is .lnk supposed to open with in the first place? Option 1 would only work if you know that critical bit of information.
Ture. Option 1 doesn’t work for lnk files because they are just shortcuts that don’t open one specific program.
I Need HElP ASAP for some weird reason my laptop will not let me open any kind of file is there someting i can do to fix it :c.. I tried somee websites but non of help seem to be any help.
As a first step I would suggest trying system restore. If that doesn’t help please submit this as a new question on MakeUseOf Answers, http://www.makeuseof.com/answers/
Make suer to include more detailed information about the problem and things you have tried so far to fix it.
Aibek
Mish,
you also submitted this as a question and it will be published asap.
Is this link safe to use on a shared work network?
It is safe!
THANX!!!!
Is there a any fix for *.lnk problem for Windows 2008 operating system?
thanks for the info…fixed..
Fixed! Thanks!
I found an easy solution.It is really very easy
Go to the link below
http://gadgets-priceinindia.blogspot.com/2011/09/files-in-phone-changed-to-shortcut.html
Option 2 workss !
searched all over the internet
and it is so simple.
thanksss!
Thanks for the feedback Juul and glad it worked for you!
thank you so much …. it works….
with what program do a open the ink file with
None. You have to use the registry fix. You can download it using this link: http://www.winhelponline.com/fileasso/lnkfix_vista.zip
i don’t work for me
Did you try the registry fix? Download it using this link: http://www.winhelponline.com/fileasso/lnkfix_vista.zip
i don’t get it
i don’t get it
thanks for giving nice
solution ….
thank you so much, i did exactly the same thing and found all my short cuts useless, option 2 worked for me- simply run & restart
thank u…solved everything
:D:D:D:D:D:D
very helpful
Worked like a charm (option 2)! A year after your post, still another very positive feedback is added to your account! Probably not the last. Cheers!
Greetings from Amsterdam, The Netherlands
oh my gooooodness thank you SO MUCH!! your a lifesaver!
this thing dident fucking work u asshole
Hi
Thanks for the link posted at top – the 1st did not work for me but the download did. This is after asking the peeps frm my antivirus company who could not help me and it took them a few weeks to realise the problem. Even then, they could still not help me!!
Glad the registry fix worked for you, Meena.
Maybe you should share the solution with the folks from your antivirus company.
Thank you so much… It worked for me.. cheers !
Option two worked best. Thanks man! Your a genius. Thanks for sharing this great stuff for us. Bless You!
thanks so much its working great
Thanks so much… 2 hours of trying solve my computer-illiterate bro-in-law’s problem over the phone… banging my head on the desk… this solved it in 2 minutes. You’re the best!
Thx bro… You really helper me out!
worked like a charm
OMG THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I WAS JUST ABOUT TO USE BY BACKUP DISKS AND THEN I CAME UPON THIS AND IT WAS LIKE HEAVEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
thanks a lot !!!!!!! You are a jenious!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
no 2 option it worked!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
last month i installed linux ubuntu after few days i removed but the drive in which ubuntu is installes , that drive is not show. so plz help me
Ajay,
this is a different question. I recommend you to post a new question using the respective link in the top left on the Answers page.
Ajay,
please ask it as a new question on MakeUseOf Answers,
http://www.makeuseof.com/answers/
Aibek
Brilliant. This works !
thanks a lot it worked. may the good Lord Jesus Christ bless you with the desires of your heart and perfect all that concerns you.
So I am guessing you have to pay for this program once you have downloaded the link? Right? Any other options?
Thank you very much Aibek for your great support on .lnk extension, you really turn the dark day into yellow day. My name is J.Paul (Rwanda -Africa)
you’re welcome
solution no 2 work like a charm….. TQ
ya i downloaded those but still not working ya
i am suffering from the same problem …..i am not able to download those ,,,it says its unavailable now ,,,,,
I’ve been searching the web for the same problem and thanks to Aibek for sharing the knowledge..now my unit is fully operational once again..Thank you so much..
THANK U SO MUCH- VISTA FILE WORKED FINE WITH MY WIN 7… UR A LIFE SAVER…
Thank you so much Aibek, option 2 worked perfectly.. After searching for about 5 hours for a solution that works you’ve saved the day. Thanks man.
-Rob
you’re welcome!
you’re the man….keep it up.thanks a lot….
Thank you! The LnkFix download did the job splendidly!
Hi Tina,
Thank you very much.
I GOT IT
THANX A MILLION
RICHARD
Glad it worked for you, but I cannot take the praise for it. Aibek documented the fix first!
THX!!! it really worked …
i really thx u.. i have this issue at my job’s computer… it was dramatic .. really .. i didnt know wat to do xD…
but now the problem its solved.. thx u again
Tina,
Yes . I tried the first option
In selection the appropriate program I had only the option of Adobe reader and looking other program on internet m so i tried with Adobe reader. It changed the icon to adobe reader but I still have the same problem.
Please I don’t know if i have to browse to internet to get the appropriate program? Which program I should select in doing so?
And using the link in the second option you mentioned, it did not work for me.
Probably I am not using it properly. I am a novice in computer but willing to learn.
Thank you very much for your time and consideration.
Hi Tina,
I was trying to download a file using winzip, it turn all the file on my desktop into a same icon, when it tried to fix the problem by cliking many buttoms, the icons were changed to microsoft word default. at this time i am not able to use many of my files.
Please I am wondering if you could help me.
Richard
Richard,
did you try the registry fix that Aibek linked to in the very first comment within this thread?
All of my shortcuts are .lnk files so I follow all of ur steps when u went into the big list were I choosed the .lnk place u know I couldn’t choose 1 program because all programs are diffrent so I cant just choose Windows media player for example XD. Is there any programs that opens the shortcut like the regular file does? I just want to reset .lnk to normal shortcut again!
Anton,
you need to run the registry fix that Aibek linked to. There is no program that runs lnk files, but the problem can be fixed by editing registry entries, which the above fix does automatically for you.
thanks alot my god thank u for tht
Hi! I have a problem I cannot solve… I selected skype to open .Ink files as default, it was a mistake and now everything opens with it even Documents… I don’t know how to fix it. Is any program I can download to fix it or can anybody tells me what can do? Pleeeeeeease! Thank you!
Ecaterina,
did you try the second (registry) fix posted by Aibek?
I opened the zip file to my desktop like you said and then double clicked the icon but still get the “windows cannot open whatever file with the .reg extension” what would I associate that with?
Same thing happens with the other file.
Thanks
Did you try to run the file as Administrator?
thanks to my superhero: D very highly here within easy for me to beat those two at thepossibility dikyekuji
Option 2 worked for me! Thanks a million.
ONLY IF THERE WERE MORE AWESOME PPL LIKE YOU!! OPTION 2 DID IT FOR ME,,!!!
THANKS A ZILLION
you’re welcome. glad it worked.
Will this fix program restore the .crt association on Windows 7 64 bit? Currently it is pointing to notepad and it want change to anything else.
Lion,
I’m not sure I understand your question. Is a file with .crt file extension pointing to notepad? The tool will only fix the .lnk file association. I think you should ask a new question. Please click the respective button on the top of the page and fill in the question form. Thank you!
It wont even let me get onto the internet to download that, im using another computer. is there a way around this?
Use another computer to download the file, put it on a USB flash drive and run it from there.
Dear Aibek
I tried to transfer Games folder from one computer (windows 7 office 2007 professional) to another computer running the same systems and software but i keep getting a
CANT OPEN THIS FILE .lnk do you want to use the web or select a installed program.
They are are standard window games eg spider solitaire, why they didnt come installed i dont know, why i cant transfer them i dont know?
I am a novice at this stuff, HELP please what do i do
Louxtreme,
could it be that you didn’t move the games themselves, but only the shortcuts (.lnk files) to the original source?
Hi there,
You can’t transfer the files this way. there is an alternative way to
add Windows Games to your syste. It’s very easy. Please ask this as anew
question on MakeUseOf Answers, http://www.makeuseof.com/answers/#expand
Your questions should say, How Can I Add Default Windows 7 Games To My
Computer.
Aibek
hey abek thax soooooo lot it really works………..
you’re welcome!
i thought i have to reformat may computer to fix my problem. thanks to you guys!!!
THAAAAAANKS!!!!!!!!! THAT REALLT HELPED!!!!!!:D:D:D:D:D
Aibek,thanks. It worked for me(windows 7).
Aibek…!!! U R AWESOME…..!!!
Omg i was trying to figure how to fix it for the past 4 hours and boom i came here and i just downloaded the fix and i lanched it and restarted and ! it worked like magic
thanks alot
(on windows 7 32bit laptop)
glad it worked for you as well
thanks a lot
you’re welcome
I CANT BILIEVE !!! THE DOWNLOADABLE LINK IT WORK’S ! I just run it and next I restart the computer . (windows 7) it works !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Glad it worked and thanks for the feedback!
glad to hera you could make use of it
what program do i browse for to open the .lnk files with?
Per default, lnk files are not associated with any program. However, since you cannot remove a file type association, only replace it, I guess the easiest way is to run the .exe file.
What program am I supposed to open the .lnk file in?
With no program. Unfortunately, Windows 7 doesn’t offer this option in ‘Set Associations’. Thus it’s best to run the .exe file that fixes the registry.
what do people
be so mean
yea u can i do it
Rox, I went here and this fixed my friends problem (windows 7).. Thank you !!!!!!!!<3
I actualy found the option 1 before I found option 2 here on this site, however I didnt know what program was supposed to open the .lnk I dont know if any1 else had that problem, but perhaps that would be a nice thing to mention in your glorious fixing post
Thanks for the great fix!
THANK YOU VERY VERY MUCH
WOW…………thanks alot,,,,,,i m able to change…..
Using Windows 7 and the downloaded file will not open. It asks which program created it an I don’t know what to open. Or I get a pop up asking to run or save and when I choose run the same menu pops up. What am I doing differently than everyone else?
Khepera,
it sounds like in your case, the .exe file extension was changed. We had a similar question before. Maybe the answers given there can help you. Check it out: http://www.makeuseof.com/answers/undo-open-with-selection-exe-files/
Please ask a new question if you are still stuck with the problem. Please describe the symptoms and what may have caused them as good as you can.
Good luck!
I thank you so much you saved my computer and my hinny. Its almost christmas to. Happy Christmas!!
i need help my laptop keeping opening with the same file and i dont know what to do
Deron,
did you follow the steps outlined above? What happened?
thanks alot almost cried
I had the same problem, and it’s fixed now. Thanx a lot.
thanks a lot brother
Thanks a lottttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt , really helped me by downloading that reg, once again thanks a lot
Fixed for me too, thanks!
Hi, I followed the steps up until “Select the program you would like to open *.lnk file types. “…. how do I know what program I want to use to open them???
Please help
i have try it on win 7 & it works. thank you.
THANK YOU !!!! THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!! This really worked. God bless.
Glad to hear that MakeUseOf Answers could help! Thank you for taking the time to let us know.
A friend called me in deep desparation to come over and fix her computer “All my icons changed now I can’t run anything. All my icons are changed, my computer is broken”. A quick teamviewer session proved she had changed her LNK association and your ZIP file was the quick fix ….. I took initial credit for being a hero, but then gave makeuseof.com the credit for supplying the answer !!! THANKS <-that's a big thanks
thanks a lot really helped. use it without any doubt works for all operating systems..once again thanks a lot
what about window xp sp2… i ve a pen drive all the folders are of a shortcut icon.. and all are .lnk file…give me the solution coz these are my imp.dat.how to change them into original format
Thanks dear it worked it saved me from formating my system window.
really thanks……
I couldn’t find an option to select, so I just used your download and presto! Everything was back to normal. Thank you
I understand all the stuff in the Option 1 section, but when I get to
- Click on the extension (to select it) and then click on “Change Program.”
- Select the program you would like to open *.lnk file types.
- Click on OK.
Which program do I select? It’s only giving me the option of opening things in internet explorer which doesn’t help the situation.
Option 2 is a forbidden website apparently too (403 error)
Thank you so so much!!!
thanks a lot…
it works well in windows 7
Aibek ..thanks a lot..i really thought i screwed up…googled the problem ..and stumbled upon makeuseof.com …..my laptop is saved…and btw for those whose web browsers wont even open due to the messing up of the shortcuts i recommend u right click on internet explorer( or whatever was left of it ) and u will find the inprivate browsing window..use it to download…and it works!!!..im relieved…thanks again aibek
you’re welcome. glad it helped.
Aibek. I did option one as you said but when it comes down to the option of choosing a program that opens all the lnk files it confuses me. since i somehow managed to make ALL my shortcuts lnk files.
What should i do?
satisfiedUser++
and btw windows 7 users use http://www.winhelponline.com/blog/file-asso-fixes-for-windows-7/
I prefer to use the first option since it’s safer, but you didn’t write what program should be assossoated with .lnk file. Please clarify…
Thankyou so much! That worked wonders on my laptop!!!! I am SO relieved!
Thank A lOt…
You are the best…
I love you…
Thanks a lot…
I faced problem with .link file system…
But it solved for me…
Your zip file is awsome…
Thanks buddy…
Aibeck, I couldn’t thank you enough for that program. I am not technically savvy at all so when all my files changed I freaked.:)
I am glad you found it helpful. In case you experience any other
issues don’t hesitate to ask for a fix on MakeUseOf Answers,
http://www.makeuseof.com/answers/
Wow. Fantastic. As soon as I logged in with Teamviewer on my customer machine, I was breaking out sweats wondering how I’m gonna fix this. Thanks to google that made me find this article so quickly. And a fantastic website that made the effort to post this topic
Glad to hear the information on MakeUseOf Answers helped you.
Thanks for the solution for my .lnk problem. I’m a novice and was going crazy because I couldn’t open anything. Is there any explanation for why all extensions would be changed – I don’t recall doing anything!
It worked
tnx aibek
awesome
thank you so much
thanks a lot again!
was worried a lot abt my pc, it was brand new..! it’s fixed now, thanks to u!!
hey dude had a prob with my files all in lnk.files i tried the first option 1 could,nt get to work but hey presto tried the 2 option worked like a dream all sorted now and thanx to you chears m8 any more prob,s ill be back thanx again aibek
I am glad it worked for you as well.
thanks aibek, i am a new member,your fix .ink file related s/w really works, thanks a lot.
you’re welcome
Actuall this is hardly your falt. It’s design flaw. In XP and older system it is not possible to chnge this association (other way then editing registry).
This is really worked! Thx man!
have the same issue running Windows XP – do you have a link for Windows vs. Vista? thank you!
Carol,
check out this article for a general explanation on how to change file type associations in Windows XP: http://www.ehow.com/how_2052279_change-file-type-associations-windows.html
thx, really worked …..fixed everythings ….genius
aibek same prblm and it worked ,thank u very much,bcoz i completely wasted a day to fix this problem…………………gr8
glad it helped!
All my files changed to .Ink and could not be open. I was able to get yahoo and outlook to work but all the other applications will not open correctly. What might be causing this?
Hey Ron
Can you please ask this as anew question. The question will get more
exposure this way and you’re likely to receive the solution faster.
Just go to
http://www.makeuseof.com/answers/
and click on ‘Ask a question’ button on the right .
Aibek
Aibek
Thanks for the help. Very easy to understand and execute. I need to pay more attention to what I’m check/unchecking. Thanks again.
I have got windows xp, all my files on the pc seem to be lost :s if i click on anything on the desktop and try to open it, the ‘open with’ box pops up, this happens with all things aswel as on control pannel i.e ‘add or remove programmes, on windows start ect… how do i come about this?
Dale
Dale,
please post this as a new question.
I need help to fix the INK files on my deswktop. So far Tried a couple things but no lick can someone please help me with this/
Tammy,
please post a new question.
Don’t forget to share all essential information regarding your issue, e.g. what is wrong with the INK files on your desktop, what may have caused the issue, what exactly did you try already, what is your operating system etc.
Many thanks, Aibek! I had the same problem and microsoft was useless. Your registry program fixed it immediately. You’re a genius!
Joey
Glad it worked!
No worries, that’s not a biggie and can be easily fixed in a couple of minutes. There are a couple of ways to do it, read both:
Option 1:
- Go to Start -> “Control Panel” -> Click on Porgrams
- Click on “Default Programs”
- Click on “Associate a file type or protocol with a program.” to open the “Set Associations” menu.
- Scroll through the list of extensions to locate the .lnk file extension. The listing will show the description and the current default program associated with it.
- Click on the extension (to select it) and then click on “Change Program.”
- Select the program you would like to open *.lnk file types.
- Click on OK.
Option 2 (If Option1 fails):
Simply download following file, unzip it, and run it. It will make necessary changes to the registry. Restart the computer and it should be fine.
http://www.winhelponline.com/fileasso/lnkfix_vista.zip
Thank you very much! Fixed everything
Please help! can you tell me which program you clicked on after you clicked change program?
Josh,
try the second solution. The registry fix will correct the issue automatically. LNK files are not opened by any program, so you can’t really solve it using the first solution.
Thnx A lot tina…………………….
Thank you so much. I managed to mess up really badly and what could’ve taken me hours and hours of work to fix it you helped me fix in a few seconds. I cannot express how glad I am.
Thanks Tina – you saved me a lot of time & anxiety!
Bob Emery
What makes the .LNK file extensions appear? Is it a virus or a fault in Windows 7? How do I avoid it in the future?
Dear Bob, i know this should be related to Tina, but lnk is not a virus. however, it may annoy you very much, specially when it is applied on many programs suddenly. it is often occurred when you use the “Open With” choice or “Open With + arrow ” when choosing default programs to run an application when there are several softwares associated to it, like kinds of PDFs, or MediaPlayers. for one application, it is tolerable but if you remove some kernel files of windows in its roaming &/ recent folders (Kbytes in size, like some fundamental shortcuts), it shows its ugly face. ..
Jacob
hello
my all programs cant run
like this google chrome.lnk
mozilla.lnk and other programs
i had the same prob
try the second option by aibek
ThanX, A LOT. TanX ALL for the 2nd Solution.
very very thanks
i have used the link but the download is not opening…. what should i do??? plz tell me..
Hi Tina,
I just have the same problem yestereday. Since all my files became the same single one, and can not get on internet, so I can not have the second option, please help, thank you.
Well, use the computer you used to write this message to download the file to a USB thumb drive and hopefully you will be able to access that on your other computer. Good luck!
thank you very much! after solution number 2 everything looks much better – although we got the message the fixing file could not be imported, some of the keys are used by the system or other processes … do we have to worry??
thanks ……………. it realy works…
genius
Thanks, this did work and I have been to many sites even ms site and no help, but this did it thanks a bunch!
Just had a similar problem. All my .ink turned into an .Lnk . . . turned them into an adobe program executable. .ink was not under the Cntl pnl portion, did your suggested download . . . voila . . . everything back to normal…. Thank you so much.
you’re welcome!
merci pour le l’information ça marcher
hi where r u from dude.
Your a true hero Aibek…… Why does windows or Microsoft have this info on there home page…. would have saved me 4 days of B.S
glad to hear it worked for you)
thanks a ton
you are awesome
best of luck for the life ahead
thank you very very very …..
much Aibek…God Bless You and your family…
Hi
I tried the solution given by you but i s not working
help me what the procedures
am having the same problem… i tried working with the registry but not working…please help me am not able to open any file neither run them
Great, this worked for me aswell
Thanks a lot
Regards
Maurice
The Netherlands
how about window 7? can i use the same steps as described above (include the link given) ?
The question is about Windows 7. But it should work almost the same in Windows Vista, in case that’s what you meant. Let us know whether it worked for you. Thank you!
ive tried it bt still no luck
THANKYOU! Worked perfectly with win7 but the link does say
http://www.winhelponline.com/fileasso/lnkfix_vista.zip
: so I can’t see why it wouldn’t work with vista? Again, thankyou so much? JINXY
try fixing reg using Ccleaner
OMG you saved me! I tried the one fro the beginning and it didn’t work and then I saw your’s. Thank you SOOOOOO much!
i have a simular problem but i was trying to change the application on a game because it wasnt doing anything and then every appliction on my computer changed to windows media player. nothing on the computer works now apart from firefox and programs that dont run off a aplication.
please help everything is on this computer and ive tried the second solution once
Where you able to fix this? i have this problem with a freind but it opne IE downlaod section instead
You just saved my ass! Tina, you’re the greatest! Thank you, thank you!
Debi Davis
Mind Your Own Business Radio
I’ve just used it for 7 but the icons don’t change back. any solutions?
Yes the link works with windows 7….. It mentions something about vista when you down load it… I think that is what scares window 7 user from going foreword….. But thanks for addressing the question…… This was very helpful It works people!!!!
yes u can
yes
thanks a lot
Thanks…….
It helped me a lot…..
thankx man it works
Thank you very much ! It fixed everything on Windows 7 – x64
hi,
i want to delete *.lnk File how can i delete? can you help me
Zaki,
are you sure you don’t want to fix the file association?
Anyways, you are not likely to receive an answer to your question within this thread. If the answers given in this thread are not helpful, I recommend you to submit a new question. Please try to explain why you want to delete your *.Ink files or why you were not able to delete them like any other file.
Execellent! thanks for your great work.
I have heard file associations are located in the registry so doing regedit can actually fix them.. Is it really an alternative? cause you know doing something in the registry might make or break it, and microsoft doesn’t recommend such. Certain free programs like http://www.pcperformancetools.com/file-extensions-repair.html says they can automatically fix the associations in the registry, so you don’t have to worry about doing something that may cause permanent damage to your system. If they can, wouldn’t that be more convenient than going through all those ssteps?
I haven’t tried the program you linked above so can’t give you any
feedback on it. In regards to editing the registr manually I wouldn’t
worry to much about it because in most cases the steps are pretty
straightforward. You basically, navigate to specific node in the
registry tree and change the default value. Plus it’s very easy to
backup/restore the registry using File-> Import/Export options.
thanks dude
DDDDDDDD
Wow, Thanks man! i was so shocked when i saw every shortcut turning into an adobe reader icon T_T
absolute genius
after 7 hrs of frustration trying to sort out my dad’s laptop option 2 sorted the problem with one click. GENIUS
thanks so so much
you’re welcome!
Next time you have computer issues ask it on MakeUseOf Answers,
http://www.makeuseof.com/answers/
Hey, the same thing happened to me. All files are converted to .lnk and the program that is running all my files is adobe. I have tried both options, but none of them worked. Got stuck and dont know what to do
Can you please help me, if possible?
I suggest asking this as a new question on MakeUseOf Answers,
http://www.makeuseof.com/answers/
Please make sure to mention that the recommendations given among the
answers on this page
(http://www.makeuseof.com/answers/change-fix-file-associations-windows-7/)
didn’t help.
Aibek
Used the download link for Windows 7 and it worked just like you said. Thank you so much. I really didn’t want to have to explain to my wife how I screwed up every program on our desktop.
Glad to hear it worked for you!
amazing.. thanks for the info. it works
you’re welcome
windows xp doesnt have the “default programs” option …. HELP! Plus i managed to change everything to open in Win32 and dont know how to change it back!
I don’t have access to Windows XP anymore so not really able to look
into it for you. I suggest posting this as a new question on MakeUseOf
Answers. I am sure someone will give you a fix for Windows XP.
thank you very much…..
I just had the same problem with “everything Lnk” and I downloaded your file and it fixed it. You are my absolute HERO! Thank you sooooooo much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
glad to hear it helped, you’re welcome.
did option 1 above, and now every program shortcut on my screen (ie: internet explorer, open office etc. etc.) wants to open with microsoft office word. how can I change this back. to their original icons and have the programs open has they normally were?
did you try option 2?
Hey Aibek,
I followed your instructions but my folders still won’t open. When I click on the shortcut it opens a firefox window and does not work. Please help, I’m freaking out.
Hey Abir,
As far as I understood, your folder shortcuts are now being opened by
Firefox?
If that’s the case please ask this as a new question on MakeUseOf
Answers, http://www.makeuseof.com/answers/
I am out of ideas at the moment but I am pretty sure someone will
provide you with a working fix to this.
Aibek
thanks a lot .. it maintained everything….
hope to have a more solutions in future aso!
Good Work..
Diwaker
thanks a lot……….
used that download link and now everything is back to normal,,thanks a lot for that,even tech guys cudnt help me with this one,,thanks again
you’re welcome, glad it worked for you
wow option2 really works.. i almost cry here thinking and searching for the solution. thank you very much!
thnx dear…
Execellent! Thanks a lot!:)
Great. I had to go to the option 2 but it worked perfectly.
Merci!!!!!!!
Thanks a butch…
JB
Genius!! Thank you so much!! have a pleasant day! =D
Thank you so much, this really works. i am so happy, thanks again. it made my day
Brilliant! Personal Computers would be worthless without guys like yourself who take the time to help others. Thanks man I’ve spent the last three hours trying to fix this and was about to throw my laptop across my living room.
I followed your directions for option 1 but the problem is I don’t know what program to use to open .lnk’s. The recommended programs list includes adobe acrobat, windows media center, itunes, bittorrent, and quicktime. However, anyone of these choices and the problem remains just with a different program opening off all my shortcuts. Please help, this is maddening!
Try option 2!
As Aibek says, try option 2. The registry fix is safe to use and works for most people, check all the comments here!!!
Aibek, Tina, you two seriously are saints. Thank you very much, my computer is once again working properly. Should I ever have trouble again, I will seek you out
you’re welcome
Feel free to submit your tech question anytime, we’ll be here to help!
you’r the best made the kids very happy
every thing does work again
Thank You… Thank you… Thank you. I have been working on this all day. I can’t tell you how happy I was when my computer restarted and the icons were correct. I can’t wait to tall my husband that you were able to fix it.
your option 2 works thank u so much!hugs and kisses..mwuah
Thanx a ton Aibek
I owe you one !!
you’re welcome
Genius spent hours looking for fix now working again..Thankyou
Hey aibek,
I can’t find the .zip file, and I dont get option two
May you please help?
Downloading the .zip file works fine for me. And it definitely works. You should try again and apply the registry fix inside the .zip archive.
here is the link to the option 2 file,
http://www.winhelponline.com/fileasso/lnkfix_vista.zip
Wow, thx so much man, ive been havin that problem for days now., and i couldn’t find a proper solution… i suspect mine happened when ive installed that imgburn software under my windows 7 OS. even if its not vista, that regfile solved the probleme…youuupiiiiiiiie!
glad it helped
Hello. I encountered the same situation. I used window7. On the last part, when I click the change program button, there’s a pop-up window appear stating choose the program you want to open the file. There are recommended programs below and other programs available. I’m confused what to choose for every time I select Internet explorer, all my desktop icons change their pictures to internet explorer. There is also a browse button on the pop up window. So just wanted to know how will I fixed this one and what would be the last step to complete the process and fixed my computer.
Thank you and I’ll be waiting for your immediate response..
Jaynelyn
Jaynelyn,
actually the first solution doesn’t work because there is no program that opens lnk files. You have to use the second option, i.e. the registry fix. Just download, unpack and run it. It will automatically fix the registry key that is broken on your computer. It’s safe, promised!
Hi, i dunno why it didn’t help me… Is there any other way out? Don’t wanna format my laptop… Thanks in advance…
Rajupasa,
did you try the second solution? It’s a registry fix and it works. It’s safe to use!
yes but what program to open lnk files…firefox.lnk is for firefox.exe safari.lnk is for safari.exe understand?
The *.lnk files are shortcuts and should be handled by Windows explorer
regardless of what program the shortcut points to. That registry fix I
referred to makes sure that *.lnk files are handled properly.
Aibek
thanx …. 2 option is worked.
thanx …. 2 option is worked.
great…!!..it works man….it totally does….Thnx a lot….i appreciate your help….thnx..
Option 2 worked for me like I NEVER EXPECTED…. my friend was already ruling my machine off and was opting for system restore… I thought my machine had been grilled by a virus ….but …alas YOU DID ME A BIG FAVOUR!!!!!! Thanks Thanks and Tnaks!!!
http://www.winhelponline.com/blog/file-asso-fixes-for-windows-7/
this is for windows 7.
thanks for the link
thank you amazing! big thanks!
simply superb frnd…
Thanks a lot. The desktop files are opening now after running the file
HOLY SNAP AIBEK!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!
:D:D this was my dads NEW laptop and if he found out about what happened I’d be DEAD right now!!! You sure saved my bacon!! Wait who says that anymore???? Hmm… Bacon…
Time for an award!
Can you help I have a program called winrar and it automatically opens the zip file and has no option to run it.
Ian,
this sounds like a completely different question. WinRAR is actually supposed to open ZIP files. What do you think it should run? You might want to ask a new question via the respectiev button on MakeUseOf Answers.
Hello,
I tried option1 and couldn’t do it. All desktop icons changed to whatever program I pressed. My problem is I have done something that has changed all desktop icons to windows symbol and i can’t open my files/folders as they seem to be DOS mode.
Petina,
just try option 2. The registry fix has worked for dozens of people, as you can see in this thread!
what about option 2, did you try it?
Cool bro, good suggestion
Dude, if i found u now, i would really kiss u..
.
I ws joking, dnt take it seriously… bt seriously, thaks a lot.. Ur help was much appreciated…
WOW you are sooo great… i thought my laptop has a virus but thank god i found the solution.. thank you soooo much!!!
you’re welcome
thanks a lot for ur assistance looking forward for the same cooperation abhay mandhana abhayommandhana@gmail:disqus .com
Hi Aibek,
The second option works for me i am facing the similar problem in my window 7 .I will be thankful to you if you pls suggest me a gud spyware antivirus so that i can scan my full pc & kill the remaining virus. I am saying this bcoz i am analyzing that my system is working slow than earlier.Waiting for ur reply
Thanks a lot genuis. U r g8t
For anitivirus you may try any of the antivirus apps we recommend our Best Windows Software page, http://www.makeuseof.com/pages/best-windows-software
Once you have scanned the system try running Soluto to idnetify what’s causing it to be slow http://www.soluto.com/ . We have reviewed Soluto here, http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/soluto-improve-windows-boot-time/
For all possible ways to speedup your computer check out following threads on MakeUseOf Answers:
How can I fix a slow Windows XP computer?http://www.makeuseof.com/answers/fix-slow-windows-xp-computer/How can I speed up my Windows XP system?http://www.makeuseof.com/answers/speed-windows-xp-system/Why is Windows Vista so slow?http://www.makeuseof.com/answers/windows-vista-running-slow/
I am confused about option 2 I went to the link helponline when it opened I did’nt what to do.our help would be greatly appreciated I’ve been going nuts for the last 2 days . Thanks so much
but dude i have another problem ,my all files have .ink extension so if i select adobe reader as viewer than all files open in adobe even my IE ,plz suggest me ans. my mail id is rajeshrj01@gmail.com, plz ,i am waiting sir
Rajeshrj,
try option two, the registry fix! Download it directly clicking this link.
Aibek is great, the option2 worked incredibly!
Thanks
Henry Schneider
that was a life saver. have managed to restore the file associations using option 2.
jut discovered this site and looks like i’ll be coming here more often.
looking forward to see you here in the future
Thanks Works like a magical
thanks………….fixed everything.
Thanks, the download worked great but my shortcuts still have the word symbol on all the programs. Can you tell me how to change the shortcut pics?
I did the same mistake but all thanks to you my pc is normal again:)))))))))))
OH MY GOD!!! thank you so much for this…. saved my life… you did… this friend of mine made the same mistake while trying to delete something… thank you… thank you so so so so much!!!
you’re welcome
you’re the best ,thank you,
Question: how can i install microsoft office on my pc online,because i dont have an installer.?is there a specific link you can give me.
Hey there,
Glad the fix worked for you. In regards to your toher questions, please ask this as anew question on MakeUseOf Answers, http://www.makeuseof.com/answers/ I don’t know the answers myself.
Aibek
Same thing happened in my mobile,i thought it is a virus and i scanned.finally virus was there and removed.When i finally opened my mobile all the files were changed to .lnk files
Thank you so much
You have saved my day! – will be wary of ticked boxes again. Phew!!
Ken Anderton
OK, I assume everyone that says this works is referring to option 2, because option 1 is so much nonsense that it was hard for me to take you seriously. Select the program I would like to open *.lnk file types? As a way to fix a problem?? There is no possible selection you could reach through that method that solve anything. Did you even test the solution you offered yourself?
Kid,
you are right that option 1 doesn’t work for LNK files.
It does, however, work if the file association of something other than a LNK file was changed to the wrong program, for example EXE pointing to PPT. Since the keywords may also direct people with other file association mishaps to this question, the answer is still relevant.
thank you very much , option 2 works perfect , i tried so many things to repair the problem , i tough my girlfriend is going to kill me if she that .lnk everywhere, but now is fix it thanks to your advise. thanks a lot.
I am a German. Used the file on 15th of Nov. 2011. Well done, i am happy
One of those Genius..man ur really smart..last time ..i reformat the whole system..is this virus or what?
Daklu,
I don’t think it’s a virus, it’s probably more like a user miss-clicking something.
Sorry, I don’t understand your question. Could you explain your question in detail.
I lost all my shortcut icons over a month ago and had forgotten all about them, just browsing the net and came upon this page and (“Henry”) asking the same question i had for weeks. Tried option (1) must have been a dozen or so times-it;s not much use if i have no idea what program to pick. Then i hesitated and finally decided to download option (2) and WA,, LA,,, it worked. Thanks MakeUseOf i can now finally live again,,,I GOT MY ICONS BACK. (MikeJnlv)
a MILLION THANKS, option 2 was perfect.
JAMES KANE
thanks man cool it works
Hi Aibek,
Many thanks mate. The ZIP file worked a treat.
Paul
glad to hear that)
Awesome man it worked the 2nd opt was much simpler
Can u suggest me which anti virus is best if i want a free one………..
Thanks big problem sloved
THANK YOU SO MUCH…..YOU HELPED OF GOING CRAZY….. I WAS SEARCHING FOR HOURS IN INTERNET TILL I FOUND YOUR POST
Click Start Menu, and then type regedit in the Start Search and press ENTER.Navigate to the following registry branch:
HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerFileExts.lnk
Click on the arrow to expand it and delete the sub-key named UserChoice.Exit from Registry Editor.
Reboot
damn you are good!!! i was really frustrated about this. Thankx man
glad to hear it worked)
hey!It really worked
Hi all,
I have a same problem….i need to remove unwanted program for .Dll
file.
I’ve successfully followed these steps: HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerFileExts[file
extension]OpenWithList.
Then I checked the
Recommended Program List for .Dll file. But unwanted program was still
there in list. So i thought changes might be reflected after reboot.
But even after reboot it was showing the program in list.
I’ve again confirmed that key is deleted or not…key was removed
properly…do we need to follow some other steps in addition to
aforementioned steps???
I also tried Ccleaner but it doesnt help also.
Any help in this regard will be greatly appreciated.
Aibek,
Just like magic… I have been trying to change the icons for hours, until I decided to google the problem… and I found your comment/solution.
You are a genius! good luck to you!
Best,
Marianne Abreu
Dec 30, 2011
you’re welcome Marianne )
thank you so much, I so how messed up my .lnk files. I was so worried but thanks to your link everything is back to normal
Thank YOU!
Oh my gosh! my computer had been messed for 5 months and I couldn’t access any of my files or basically anything. Try option 2, worked perfectly. I cannot thank you enough!
glad to hear it worked)
Thank you the zip file is working
It’s really works..Thank you buddy.
you’re welcome)
thank you sooooo much…..
Yeh i tryed both steps it didnt work plz help !
hmmm, did you try Windows’ system restore option?
Thank you SOOOOO much. That saved me the biggest waste of time trip to Best Buy.
thanks to you sir, I had the same problem and it got solved
thanx dude.. yae just saved me.. lol..
ma’am could you help me..
desame problem to me
my all icon change into logo of adobe then the name was change also chrome.lnk,mozilla.lnk, and my other file cant run..because this problem
on my loptop window 7
Jacob,
did you try the registry fix: http://www.winhelponline.com/fileasso/lnkfix_vista.zip
Thanks, It works fine. But In fact we have not option 1 as solution I think the only option is option 2.
THANK YOU! Option 1 didn’t work and I could not access the web on the affected computer so I opened that link on another computer and copied the file to a thumb drive. I saved it to the desktop of the affected computer and fixed it from there. Thank you!
glad to hear it worked.
i love you, you saved my computer
thanks a lot aibek.
u saved my pc!
thaaaaaaaaaaaaanks really, fixed it in a minute. U r awsome:)
Thanks for the brilliant suggestion, Aibek
Everything have been fixed 
Now, no LNK file!
Thank you…
thank you…..
thanx alot….it worked…
once again…am very thankful
it works fine ..!
thank you
thank u so much sir …….i cant tell u that nw how much happy i m……………………..thanku thanku thanku so much
hey thank you aibek !!
hi…. thanks a lot … very2x much… wew … i really thought that i will not be able to fix my problem about this lnk.,… thnx aibek…
my system desktop files will be created .ink ad .exe files so wht can i do pls tel me friend
i luv u O.O THANK YOU SO FKINGH MUCH every fourm i wnt to had some windows tech and they were all ‘well heres 5000 steps, step one *some rly complicated stuff*’ this was simple and easy option 2 works like a charm!
I LOVE YOU!!!!!
but when i open this file it shows like “application not found”
dan wat to do????
Kajal,
Did you try option 2, the registry fix?
what is option2, the registry fix? from where have to download it
Thank you very much this help me a lot, fixed everything, you are a god send
The second option works great.
Thanks a lot !