cannot open and files or programs. files and programs get .lnk extension

Problems with 10" laptop

I have a 15" and 10" laptops. 15" has Windows 7 and 10" Windows 7 starter.

Because my 10" was sluggish, I tried to clean it. However, I cleaned it too much. Now, I can only browse the internet and see email. But I cannot open any attachments. I also cannot any files or programs.

I am using the 15" to find answers and instructions to fix the 10".

The desktop icon graphics are replaced by white rectagles, with .lnk added to the Programs name.

All the files and programs are getting the .lnk extension. I get the following error message:

Windows cannot open this file: any.lnk. To open this file, Windows need to know what program you want to use to open it. Windows can go on line to look it up automatically

I downloaded updates. When I click to open windowsupdate.diagcab, I get the same message as above.

When I click on OK, it takes me to Win-File association, file extension lnk, where I get a few choices to open file programs.

For *.diagcab, the message is file unknown.

When I try to start a Registry Editor, I get the message:

Adding information can unintentionally change or delete values and cause components to stop working correctly... Are you sure you want to continue?

When I click YES, I get the message error:

Registry Editor: Cannot import *pctuneup maestro_setup_diagcab_.exe. The specified file is not a registry script. You can only import binary registry files from within the registry editor.

I tried to go to registry editor: c:\windows\system32\notepad.exe.

I get the message: User account control: Do you want to allow the following program to make changes to this computer? Progran name: Registry Editor,

I get the same error messages as above.

I also downloaded and unzipped EXE and LNK file association fixes. When I try to run, I get the error message:

Windows popup:

Windows cannot open this file: file linkfile_fix.reg. To open this file, Windows needs to know what program you want to use to open it....

Please help me to fix the 10" laptop.

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Replies (2)

Mohammad _ Imran

Hi LumiSa,

Welcome to Microsoft Community!

It looks like you having an issue with accessing files or programs. However, I’m glad to provide you with these methods which will help you to fix the issue.

Method 1: I would suggest you to follow steps from the article mentioned below and check if that works.

When you run an .exe file on a Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7-based computer, the file may start a different program

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950505/en-us

Method 2: Run the following Microsoft Fixit and check if that helps.

Fix broken desktop shortcuts and common system maintenance tasks

http://support.microsoft.com/mats/system_maintenance_for_windows/en-us

Diagnose and repair Windows File and Folder Problems automatically

http://support.microsoft.com/mats/windows_file_and_folder_diag/en-us

Method 3: I would also suggest you to scan your computer with Microsoft Safety Scanner, which would help us to get rid of viruses, spyware, and other malicious software.

The Microsoft Safety Scanner is a free downloadable security tool that provides on-demand scanning and helps remove viruses, spyware, and other malicious software. It works with your existing antivirus software.

http://www.microsoft.com/security/scanner/en-us/default.aspx

Note: The Microsoft Safety Scanner expires 10 days after being downloaded. To rerun a scan with the latest anti-malware definitions, download and run the Microsoft Safety Scanner again.

Important: While scanning the hard drive if any bad sectors are found, the scanner tries to repair that sector, any data available on that might be lost.

Hope it helps. For any further Windows related assistance, feel free to contact us and we will be happy to help.

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LumiSa

Hi,

None of the solutions offered worked, because they all had to run an *.exe program and this is where I get stuck and get
the error message:
Registry Editor: Cannot import *.exe. The specified file is not a registry script.
You can only import binary registry files from within the registry editor.

Pls give me solutions that do not require to run a *.exe program.
Thx,

cannot open and files or programs. files and programs get .lnk extension

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