There is no associated program to perform the action. What should I do if I get the error "There is no program associated with this file"? Recovery using the installation disk

Fixing an error like “This file has no program associated with it…”

Hello everyone, on the pages of the blog we continue to consider Windows malfunctions and today we will try to “fix” a strange system error when, when starting games or other programs or utilities from third-party developers, a window appears with an error like this:

This file does not have a program associated with it to perform this action. Install the program, or if it is already installed, create an association using the Control Panel's Default Programs component

Often this manifests itself:

in the impossibility of getting into any Windows directory. At the same time, Windows Explorer cannot display the correct paths to folders and files.
Desktop displays empty shortcut icons
clicking on the labels becomes a waste of time - the icons do not react to anything
the taskbar was probably broken: shortcuts disappeared, the Sound icon does not respond to the mouse (for Windows 10 users)
Desktop context menu refuses to launch Personalization And Screen Options
etc. etc.

Possible reasons : Inadvertent removal of some Windows registry settings by a newly installed third-party program. And before you start make sure the file system is intact. In dial command

Sfc /scannow

The results will have to wait, but it's always worth it. Moreover, the conflict between the system and the program is sometimes accompanied by the fact that Windows without asking rolls back, taking away loaded and applied with you. Run Update Center and check if it is installed. It makes sense to proceed with the following actions if both of these tips are checked:

There are several solutions to the problem, including for folders that, when you try to open them with a double click, give the same error. About each option - in order, and by the end of the article, I think we will defeat the mistake: read carefully and try everything. Reboot after applying the changes.

Option one: check the registry

The problem seems to be damage to several branches of the operating system registry at once, associated either with file associations, or in damage to the system explorer. First, try to repair the parameter IsShortcut in the registry branch (launch the editor regedit.exe or regjump to quickly switch to the desired branch directly from the console cmd)

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Lnkfile

Most likely you do not have the parameter selected by me in the right part of the window. You just need to re-create it. To do this, right-click, select Create… – String parameter and name him IsShortcut. We close the editor, try, unsubscribe.

Option two: repair Windows Explorer

If you find that the specified parameter is in place, or nothing has worked, I suggest a tougher option. We are repairing Windows Explorer, and we will not repair each of the registry hives separately, but will try to correct all the branches we need in a crowd. To do this, download a tiny archive for . Unzip and run the Registry Editor key in it, accept the registry changes, and reboot.

Option three: restore folders and shortcuts

Users who also suffered from the “no program associated with this file” error have shared a utility that they claim has helped more than once. I slightly edited it for "Russian needs". It was not possible to use it personally, but there are no viruses in it and it definitely does not get worse. Here she is:

Inside there is a small executable file that will help restore folder and shortcut settings. This should help you deal with the error “There is no program associated with this file…”

Option four: A specific file type won't open

This variant of the malfunction may not be accompanied by a warning like “no program is associated with this file ...” It is characterized by the fact that specific types of programs suddenly stopped opening: music, video, text documents, browser pages. A solution for this problem also exists and you can try to find the extension for the “unopenable” file on this page (for Windows 7 it definitely rolls):

https://www.winhelponline.com/blog/file-asso-fixes-for-windows-7/

In the file extensions table, you can find the intended extension for yours (with some of my comments), click on it, causing the registry key to be loaded:

As you can see, the bottom line of the table can even restore unopened Windows directories, drives and folders.

An archive will be downloaded in which the reg file of the registry editor is packed. You just have to run it, agree to the changes and check the performance. True, some users complain that it does not open exactly: but) the registry editor itself and b) archiver ... You'll have to use and work from there. Unfortunately, this will require you to persevere and more serious knowledge in the operation of Windows. But nothing is difficult. Who will have such a problem, unsubscribe from the feedback page.

Option five: Windows Explorer is interfering with something...
This option is here because it is folders sometimes refuse to respond to a double click of the mouse. While repeating the error message. If the registry tweaks from the links in the paragraphs above do not help, there is an assumption that the system explorer is being counteracted some program. Let's check. Let's go back to the registry section

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell

and delete folders cmd And find:

Trying without reboot open previously idle folders. Should work. The user can achieve the same effect using the most popular Windows cleaner -. So…

in section

specified file And cmd should not be on the list. If found, turn off:

Open the image in a new tab to view

And all "Please" to your "Thank you".

Good luck to everyone.

After installing or updating Windows 10, some users have to deal with an unpleasant error, which manifests itself in the fact that when you try to open the system settings, a message appears on the screen "This file does not have an associated program to perform this action". A similar error can also occur when opening the display settings or personalization.

The solution is offered right there, in the error description window. The user is prompted to install the program or, if it is already installed, create an association with it (association). This was effective if we were talking about third-party applications, but since you have to deal with regular Windows programs, creating an association will not work.

Diagnostics and checking for updates

You can try to solve this problem in two or even three ways. It is noteworthy that the described error is well known to Microsoft. The problem may be Windows updates that have not installed, so the first step is to check if your computer has all the latest updates installed. Pay special attention if you have the component with the code KB3081424. If not, install it - in most cases, this will correct the mapping error.

You can also recommend using the automatic troubleshooter diagnostic tool which can be downloaded from the link below. All you need is just to run the file with the extension diagcab and follow the instructions of the diagnostic wizard and then restart the computer.

Adding an account to the admin group

Another possible cause of the error may be that your account is not in the Administrators group. You can fix this as follows. team lusrmgr.msc Open the window "Local Users and Groups", select the directory in the left column "Groups", and on the right - , then double-click to open it.

In the properties window that appears, click

And enter your account name in the window field. To avoid typing errors, press "Check Names".

Today, another error came to our attention, which says: “ This file has no program associated with it.". The problem can manifest itself in different ways, but it is especially common after installing Windows 10 when starting any programs. In some cases, it is not possible to open any basic settings, for example, an error appears when you click on "Display settings" or "Personalization".

Causes of the error and how it manifests itself

Most often, the problem is manifested by the following symptoms:

Windows does not open Explorer or it starts, but does not load directories, paths are displayed incorrectly;
On the desktop there are shortcuts with broken paths, respectively, they do not respond to pressing;
When starting any system programs, an error occurs;
When using applications, games, they do not start, they can silently knock out, without a message.

The text of the error is quite clear that the problem is in a comparable program that should handle the application's actions. At the same time, a simple restoration of the association will not work, since the problem is not with opening any file formats, but with system applications. Most users and system administrators will not deal with the situation, but simply roll back the system or reinstall it, but this may not be necessary at all.

official decision

If you get the error "There is no program to execute for this file", the first step is to refer to the solution recommended by the developers. Microsoft has been aware of the existing problem for a long time, and accordingly took some troubleshooting steps.

The first step is to check for updates. Most of the computers with the problem do not have the KB3081424 update. Mostly it allows you to eliminate the error, but additional manipulation may be required - system diagnostics.

To solve the error, the Diagnostic Tool was additionally released, which automatically checks the root causes of the malfunction and eliminates them. In addition to the problem with the association, it allows you to solve other problems with Windows of a similar nature. Link to the utility https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=49924 .

The system processing procedure has the simplest possible structure - run the file with the .diagcab extension and configure the tool. After completing the procedure, you must restart the PC. Check if everything is back in order, if not, you can perform another manipulation.

Registry editing

In most cases, the registry is behind failures in the association, that is, its broken keys. Many people advise you to deal with it right away, but since programs cannot return the healthy state of the library, you will have to manually check some value. When working with the registry, it is important not to change extraneous parameters, but to follow the instructions:

Win+R and regedit
Expand the HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT directory;
Now find the Lnkfile folder;

Usually this folder simply does not contain the IsShortcut parameter, that is, it must be created manually. RMB on the free area on the right and select "Create ...", then "String parameter", enter the appropriate name;

Close the editor and restart the PC.

You can also find registry recovery files on the network that will automatically replace all association values, but they may contain viruses, so it is done at your own peril and risk.

Adding Administrator Rights

Sometimes the cause of the problem is that your account is not assigned to the Administrators group. In this case, you can create a new entry with these rights or change the title for the current one. Creating a new entry is a simple procedure, so let's consider adding rights.

Click on Win + R and enter "lusrmgr.msc" in the line;

"Local users ..." will open, in the left part of the window, select the category "Groups";
Click on the "Administrators" entry;
Add membership in the Administrators group for the current entry by clicking on "Add";
It is necessary to enter a username in an empty window to add to the group, if desired, you can click on "Advanced" and select the desired entry;
Then click OK and check that the account is added to the administrators;

Additionally, you should remove the entry from other groups so that one profile does not appear in several overlapping categories.

Alas, the above methods may not help if no application starts at all. Nothing remains within the system, you will have to use the installation disk.

Recovery using the installation disk

Naturally, you need to insert the media into the system and set it as the main boot drive by pressing F9 during the Windows startup process or by setting priorities in the BIOS.

After starting the disk, you need to start installing Windows;
The "Install Windows" window will appear, and the "Install" button below, click on it;

Then the procedure is similar to installing the system, an important nuance, at the stage "Getting updates" you should not install the latest packages;
Next, enter the product key (preferably);
Agree with the license agreement;
Next, at the "Select an installation type" step, click "Upgrade".

At the end of the procedure, the registry should be restored to a healthy state, and the error with the association should become a thing of the past.

There are more radical methods to restore the association, including reinstalling Windows or resetting to factory settings, but this is an extreme case that can only be done if there is no help from other methods.

If you still have questions on the topic “What to do if the error “There is no program associated with this file”?”, You can ask them in the comments

This guide applies if, after installing Windows 10, you find that you can't open Settings, Display Settings, or Personalization, and the following error message appears on your screen: "There is no program associated with this file to perform this action. Install the program, or if it's already installed, create an association using the Default Programs Control Panel component."

From the text of the error, it becomes clear that the application/program you are trying to open does not have its interdependent program associated with it. You cannot create an association in this case, as this is a problem with embedded applications. So how do you solve it then? You can, for example, with the preservation of personal files and settings. But this is the most extreme case, if no other methods help, including those described below.

Method 1 - Install Updates/Use Automatic Troubleshooting Tool

Microsoft is well aware of this issue, so it makes sense that the first two fixes were suggested by the company itself. First, make sure you have all cumulative updates installed. In particular, on most Windows 10 computers, this problem is solved by installing a patch with an identification code. KB3081424.

If all updates are installed and the problem still exists, try the diagnostic tool that was released by Microsoft to deal with this and some other errors. You can download it from the following link:

Run the CSSEmerg67758.diagcab file and follow the instructions on the screen. When the troubleshooting wizard has finished, restart your computer and check the status of the problem. If she's gone, great. If this did not help to eliminate it, then try the second method.

Method 2 - Add an account to the Administrators group

The reason for this error may be the absence of your account in the Administrators group. If so, press + R on your keyboard and run the command lusrmgr.msc in the Run dialog box to open the Local Users and Groups window.

In the left section of the window, select "Groups", on the right, find the "Administrators" group and open it by double-clicking.

In the window that opens, click Add.

In the next window, enter the account name. If you are not sure what exactly to enter, click the "Advanced" button.

Click "Search", mark your account in the search results and click OK.

If the account was successfully added to the Selectable Object Names field, click OK.

The account will then become part of the administrative group. Click OK to close the window.

Now remove the account from other groups in the Local Users and Groups window. When finished, restart your computer. The problem must be solved.

Have a great day!

Suppose you decide to install / update Windows 10, but only after installing / updating, you get the error “This file does not have a program associated with it to perform this action. Install the program or, if it is already installed, create an association using the Default Programs control panel component and you no longer open: display settings, options, personalization, etc. You need to first understand that the OS has a bug that does not directly allow the application to fully interact with the Windows 10 operating system. In addition, no association creation will help you, since this will not be possible, because we are talking directly about built-in applications. That's why it's worth trying one of the following methods:

Method number 1

We are trying to return Windows 10 to its original state, where we save all personal data, files and settings. But as you understand, this is the most extreme case and it should be used if the ones described below do not help.

Method number 2

This error is very common, and therefore known to Microsoft, which allows you to do this: check for all cumulative updates (they must be installed completely). Often, the error is solved by installing patch KB3081424.

If, after checking the OS, you did not find any missing and not installed updates, you should move on to the next method to fix the error.

Method number 3

Actually error "This file does not have an associated program to perform this action..." very well-known and for this reason, a diagnostic tool was released that can be used to make a full-fledged diagnosis of the OS to identify the cause of the error and eliminate it.

We launch a file called "CSSEmerg67758.diagcab", after which we simply follow all the instructions of the wizard for using this utility. As soon as the utility finishes scanning the system, you will need to reboot the OS and generate the status of the existing problem.

If the problem disappeared and applications began to open, then there is nothing more to do, if the error remains, then proceed to the next method.

Method number 4

In this step, you will add your account to the Administrators group, which may allow you to remove the error.

Press the combination of "hot keys" Win + R >>> now enter the command "lusrmgr.msc" (without quotes) >>> click on "OK" >>> and observe how the window with local users opens:

As soon as the “local users window” opens, in its left part you need to select the “Groups” item and already on the right, we find a group called “Administrators”, after which we open it:

In the new window, select "Add":

Now enter your account name. If you do not know what you need to enter, then click on the "Advanced" button:

Now we click on "Search", after which, in the search results themselves, it is necessary to mark the account currently used and click on "OK":

As soon as your account is added to the previously empty field "names of selectable objects", you must click on "OK":

Now your account has become part of the administrative user group in your Windows 10 OS. It remains only to click on "OK".