If you are a Windows Operating System user, you might be familiar with these kinds of problems
- All the files on your computer turn into shortcuts
- All the files on your computer have the same icons
- All the software/programs open with the same program type.
These problems come as a result of a certain type of file association called (.link) that replaces all the files extension on windows. To fix these problems, we only need go to the registry and delete this (.link) file association that has been added or just set the hex properties to (0) to turn it off.
However, playing around with your registry settings can sometimes cause a mess out of your computer if you do the wrong thing.
HOW TO SOLVE THESE PROBLEMS
Manually
If you still would want to play around the registry and fix it yourself;
- Press Ctrl+R to bring up the run command
- Type in regedit to bring up the windows registry.
- Then follow these steps:
HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerFileExts.lnk
When you find the “.link” folder, you can either delete it or in;
Windows 7/ 8/8.1: just click on it, then click on “OpenWithProgids” right click on the “lnkfile” on you right hand side and enter (0).
Windows vista: just click on it, then click on “UserChoice” right click on the “lnkfile” and enter (0). Then restart your computer.
If you find these steps kind of cumbersome, then you can download any of these files to fix the problem automatically. These files were prepare courtesy of Shawn Brink @ http://www.eightforums.com and http://www.winhelponline.com/blog
Windows Vista: http://www.winhelponline.com/fileasso/lnkfix_vista.zip
Windows 8/8.1: http://www.eightforums.com/attachments/tutorials/7915d1345411777-default-file-associations-restore-windows-8-lnk.reg
When you download the file, you only have to double click on it, You will receive a prompt asking you if you would like to continue, just click on “Yes”.
You only have to restart your computer and that is all.
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