Resetting the default word for launching programs in Windows 7

2

A while back, I was trying to follow some fixes online for running exe files on the network and some of them involved making changes in the registry.

Since then, the default word in the context menu to launch programs changed to "%1" %* (see below screenshot) which I do know was part of what a fix told me to change.

Default word that launches programs changed

I have only just got round to putting this right but I cannot recall how to change this back to the default.

I am looking at the keys like:-

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile\shell\open\Default

Which do have the value as "%1" %* but I am unsure exactly which key in the registry controls the word (I think 'Open') used in the Windows 7 context menu like above.

Can anyone point me to the right key to change?

zigojacko

Posted 2016-07-19T08:16:40.097

Reputation: 258

Answers

2

Check the (default) value data here:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile\shell\open\command

Must be set to "%1" %*

And, select the following key.

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile\shell\open

Right-click (default) and choose Delete. It should now read value not set.

That fixes the menu caption - setting it to Open.

REG file to automate the above

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[-HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile\shell\open\Default]

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile\shell\open]
@=-

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile\shell\open\command]
@="\"%1\" %*"
"IsolatedCommand"="\"%1\" %*"

Copy the above lines to Notepad, save as exefix.reg. Start Regedit.exe (right-click Regedit.exe and choose Run as Administrator) and import the REG file via the File menu.

Or run the .exe fix REG file available here (zipped).

w32sh

Posted 2016-07-19T08:16:40.097

Reputation: 8 611

Those keys are both already set to "%1" %* - must be a different key controlling the word... :D – zigojacko – 2016-07-19T08:45:54.340

The registry path you mentioned in the original post is incorrect. You're probably checking the wrong location. Also make sure the IsolatedCommand value exists with correct data. – w32sh – 2016-07-19T08:46:29.810

I've checked loads of paths, including those in your answer... – zigojacko – 2016-07-19T08:48:15.180

Then post a file association dump for .exe files (using FileTypeDiag) which helps find what's wrong with the association settings.

– w32sh – 2016-07-19T08:52:12.823

I applied the fix all the same and as expected, it didn't fix the problem. Looking for another key that has changed the default word to launch programs. – zigojacko – 2016-07-19T08:52:16.297

The issue is not the file association incorrect. If I click the command, it runs the programs correctly and without issue. I have changed the actual word which I want to change back. There is no issue with exe file association... Just to clarify. – zigojacko – 2016-07-19T08:53:07.940

Ok. I got it. I've updated the REG file, that should change the label back to "open" – w32sh – 2016-07-19T08:56:15.847

Hmm. Doesn't appear to have fixed the issue still... :/ sorry. – zigojacko – 2016-07-19T09:15:24.143

Here is a link to the report on pastebin.

– zigojacko – 2016-07-19T09:27:01.657

Solved in chat... Deleted value at HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile\shell\open\(Default) (so that the value reverts to (value not set). Now fixed! Thanks :) – zigojacko – 2016-07-19T10:19:57.267

Asked: 2016-07-19T08:16:40.097

Viewed: 4 345 times

Active: 2016-07-19T14:12:15.583