Windows 10: Links/associations not working

Today on Windows 10 I find that links (*.lnk) will not open. I get the message:
'This file does not have a program associated with it for performing this action. Please install a program or, if one is already installed, create an association in the Default Programs control panel'.
If I right-click on the link, on the top of the list where it normally has 'Open' I see 'cmd' instead.
I have attempted to cure this problem in Default Programs/Set associations. The current default for .lnk is 'Unknown Application' but if I select 'Change Program' the only option available is 'Look for an App in the App Store' however, if I locate and select 'explorer.exe' in the Windows folder it freezes the 'set associations' window.
Trying that several times I eventually get the message: 'The program you have selected cannot be associated with this file type...'
The same occurs when trying to open folders in 'File Explorer'
I have run Malwarebytes, MS Safety Scanner, SFC etc and they all state that there's no malware or problem.

Any assistance or advice would be welcome.

:)

 

Hard Link visual association ?

Is it possible for Explorer to show what files or folders are associated with hard links ?

 

Hard Link visual association ?

Hi,



Thank you for contacting Microsoft Community.

This issue is best suited for MSDN support so I suggest you to post the query in MSDN forum, follow the below link.

Msdn forums

Hope this information was helpful and do let us know if you need further assistance. We will be glad to assist.

 

There is a nice tutorial that helps you fix these associations. Use option 2 and download and merge the reg file for the .lnk files

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/8...a.html#option2

 

Thanks. Unfortunately that didn't cure the problem.
I also attempted to restore from before the last windows update. It took over an hour and that failed as well.

 

So, does no-one have suggestions or a solution to my problem?
The problem occurs when I double-click on a folder or link: 'This file does not have a program associated with it for performing this action. Please install a program or, if one is already installed, create an association in the Default Programs control panel'.
I can only open them by right-clicking on the item and select 'Open' which is third in the list. Above that is 'Search' and on the top is 'cmd' (where 'Open would normally appear).
I've scoured the Net and tried several ways to cure this (including 'Default File Type Associations - Restore in Windows 10') but to no avail.
Any suggestions most welcome.

 

If you have tried all the .reg file fixes for Folders and links then you are probably left with doing an In-place repair installation:

Repair Install Windows 10 with an In-place Upgrade

 

Phew! Thanks.! I shall have to create a ISO file first. I'll update you on the results.

 

OK, I'm a little unsure on what route to take here.
Ideally I'd like to repair the problem without having to end up re-installing all my software. Data is OK as I back up regularly.
So, which option is best for me?
Creating and using a recovery Drive appears to remove all my software, keep my data & re-install Win10. Not what I want.
Using a Media Creation Tool gives me the option to either 'Upgrade this PC now' or 'Create installation media for another PC' - none of which applies to me.
There seems to be quite a few of options but I can't find one that suits my puposes.

 

You do want the "Upgrade this PC now" option because you are doing an in place upgrade. You also need to make sure that you select "Keep personal files and Apps" later in the process. This is the key step which ensures that you do not lose anything.

Make sure you follow the tutorial exactly and you will be fine.

 

OK. That worked fine - problems resolved.
Thanks for your advice.

 

That's great news *Smile