Cannot Run Applications after Making File Association

ID: Q163017

The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server version 4.0
IMPORTANT: This article contains information about editing the registry. Before you edit the registry, make sure you understand how to restore it if a problem occurs. For information about how to do this, view the "Restoring the Registry" Help topic in Regedit.exe or the "Restoring a Registry Key" Help topic in Regedt32.exe.

SYMPTOMS

By default, exe and .exe file extensions cannot be used in Windows NT 4.0 because they are reserved for running programs. However, the extension *.exe can be used as a valid file extension when creating a new application association. If you create an association with the *.exe extension, you will no longer be able to run applications or programs.


CAUSE

The Add New File Type dialog box in Windows NT 4.0 allows for longer file extensions than Windows NT 3.51, which only allowed 4 characters.


RESOLUTION

If the *.exe association has been made and/or removed, you can add the default .exe file type back by using Registry Editor. You can also use the Emergency Repair Disk to recover the registry information.

WARNING: Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that problems resulting from the incorrect use of Registry Editor can be solved. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

For information about how to edit the registry, view the "Changing Keys And Values" Help topic in Registry Editor (Regedit.exe) or the "Add and Delete Information in the Registry" and "Edit Registry Data" Help topics in Regedt32.exe. Note that you should back up the registry before you edit it. If you are running Windows NT, you should also update your Emergency Repair Disk (ERD).

  1. Start Registry Editor (Regedt32.exe), and select the following key:
    HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT on Local Machine


  2. From the Edit menu, click Add Key.


  3. In the Key Name box, type .exe and then click OK.


  4. Select the new .exe key.


  5. From the Edit menu, click Add Value.


  6. In the Value Name box, type Content Type. Select REG_SZ for Data Type, and then click OK.


  7. In the String box, type application/x-msdownload and then click OK.


  8. From the Edit menu, click Add Value.


  9. Leave the Value Name box blank. Select REG_SZ for Data Type, and then click OK.


  10. In the String box, type exefile and then click OK.


  11. Exit Registry Editor.


All application and program functionality should now be restored to its original state.


STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Windows NT version 4.0.

Additional query words: apps blue screen

Keywords : ntconfig NTSrvWkst
Version : winnt:4.0
Platform : winnt
Issue type : kbbug


Last Reviewed: October 8, 1999
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