I had an issue with all .exe opening in Notepad

found this 'fix':

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.exe

In right-side pane, change value of Default key to exefile

5. Now go to:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile\shell\open\command

In right-side pane, change value of Default key to:

"%1" %*

But it has now messed up everything, so I cannot even open regedit or any application, manage to get some apps working but manually telling it which app to use, but looking for a fix for this please using Windows 8.1

When I look at any .exe it next to the file type it shows "%1" %*

Try boot into Safemode:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/windows-startup-settings-safe-mode

Then try run System Restore and restore back to the time before this problem started.

Hello AG9,

What is your current situation?

Have you tried the suggestion as MVP Cyber_Defend_Team mentioned?

Best regards,
Fangzhou CHEN

Nope, but I have the answer to my own question using the following link:

http://www.askvg.com/solution-exe-files-always-open-with-notepad-or-other-applications/

using:

METHOD A: Using Ready-Made Registry Script

• Marked as answer by AG9 23 hours 16 minutes ago