Is there any way of restoring file extension EXE?

Question

So my friend's laptop recently had a virus and I'm guessing that it erased the file extension exe which allows windows to open programs. So my friend can't open any of his of programs, every time he tries to open any program (internet explorer, documents, etc) it asks what program does he want to use to open the program. We clicked on "search the web for approriate program" and apparently it said that his computer was missing the "file extension exe" So if there is a computer whiz out there who can help restore the exe file extension we would really appreciate the help.

If it helps his computer has windows 7

Answer 1

Good thing you mentioned what OS you are using.



How to fix 'Choose Program to open with' problem:



That is usually one of the problems caused by malware infection. Start by fixing your ZIP file association. Note that you need to be an administrator to apply these fixes. Download this:

http://www.winhelponline.com/fileasso/zip_fix_w7.reg



Right-click the REG file and choose Merge. If it asks you what program to open the REG file with, point to REGEDIT that is in the C:\Windows folder.



Next, fix your EXE file association. Download this:

http://www.winhelponline.com/fileasso/exe_fix_w7.zip



Extract the .REG file to your Desktop. Right-click the REG file and choose Merge.



Alternatively, you can open the Registry Editor by pressing the WinLogo+R key and type "REGEDIT" (w/o the quotes) then click on File > Import. Merge the REG file's contents.



NOTE: If your EXE file association is corrupted, it can be difficult to open REGEDIT, or to even import REG files. To work around this, press CTRL-ALT-DEL and open Task Manager. Once there, click File, then hold down the CTRL key and click New Task (Run). This will open a Command Prompt window. Enter REGEDIT.EXE and press Enter.





For other file types that won't open:

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



If you have a program shortcut that won't open, fix the LNK file association.

Answer 2

dont mess with the registry if you don't know what you are doing... just do a simple system restore to a previous date its easier. file Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore

Answer 3

Right cllick on the file name. Choose 'Rename'. Add the ".EXE" extension to the end.