Reference number: CH000126

All Windows .exe files have changed association.

Issue:

All Windows .exe files have changed association.

Cause:

1. Computer infected with virus.
2. Utility software loaded on computer changed how exe files are handled.

Solution:

Unless the registry has been modified, Microsoft Windows does not allow for the exe file extensions to be changed. Therefore, it is likely that one of the two below scenarios has occurred.

Computer is infected with a virus

The computer may have been infected with a virus. Viruses commonly attack executable files and may have infected each of the exe files on the computer making it appear that the association has been changed.

Make sure you have an up to date version of your virus scanner and scan your computer for any viruses.

Software utility

Utilities such as virus scanners may change the way Windows handles executable files to help protect your computer from viruses. If you have recently installed a virus scanner, file checker, or other utility and your computer is now experiencing this issue, we recommend you first attempt to uninstall that program. Additional help and information about uninstalling a program can be found on document CH000347.

If uninstalling the program does not resolve your issue or you have not recently installed a virus scanner or other utility, it is recommended that you restore a backup of the registry. See Registry page for additional information.

If this also does not resolve your issue or you do not have a backup of the registry, we recommend you reinstall Microsoft Windows.