When I try to open a folder in Windows Explorer I get the following message. This has never happened before today. "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." The only change in the computer is that I got a message overnight that Microsoft had installed an update. Dropdown folders open in the left pane, but not the larger pane on the right. Programs open, but not folders in the right pane.

Sounds like the update messed up the gui/explorer. Can you uninstall it and see if that fixes it. Uninstall all the recent updates.

Same exact problem. I try to use system restore, and it errors too so that does not solve it. I need a fix. Someone please help? Ryan

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Hi, Since the issue occurred after installing an update, let's perform a System Restore to check if the issue can be resolved. If the issue persists, it can be caused by folder association losing. Let's restore the defaults for Folder Option. Open Windows Explorer -> click Organize on tool bar-> Folder and search options -> On General and View Tab, click Restore Defaults If it doesn't work, please go to the following site and download the Folder. Before importing the registry, please first export the following registry for backup. [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder] http://www.winhelponline.com/blog/file-asso-fixes-for-windows-7/ Note: Microsoft provides third-party contact information to help you find technical support. This contact information may change without notice. Microsoft does not guarantee the accuracy of this third-party contact information. Regards, NikiPlease remember to click "Mark as Answer" on the post that helps you, and to click "Unmark as Answer" if a marked post does not actually answer your question. This can be beneficial to other community members reading the thread.

Hi, Since the issue occurred after installing an update, let's perform a System Restore to check if the issue can be resolved. If the issue persists, it can be caused by folder association losing. Let's restore the defaults for Folder Option. Open Windows Explorer -> click Organize on tool bar-> Folder and search options -> On General and View Tab, click Restore Defaults If it doesn't work, please go to the following site and download the Folder. Before importing the registry, please first export the following registry for backup. [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder] http://www.winhelponline.com/blog/file-asso-fixes-for-windows-7/ Note: Microsoft provides third-party contact information to help you find technical support. This contact information may change without notice. Microsoft does not guarantee the accuracy of this third-party contact information. Regards, NikiPlease remember to click "Mark as Answer" on the post that helps you, and to click "Unmark as Answer" if a marked post does not actually answer your question. This can be beneficial to other community members reading the thread.

Hi, I am currently standing by for an update from you and would like to know how things are going. Should you have any questions or concerns on the recent information I've provided you, please don't hesitate to let me know. Thank you for your cooperation. Your patience is highly appreciated. Regards, NikiPlease remember to click "Mark as Answer" on the post that helps you, and to click "Unmark as Answer" if a marked post does not actually answer your question. This can be beneficial to other community members reading the thread.

I'm glad I found this thread here. I've been having the exact same problem and the steps featured in this thread so far do not solve it. When I click "Merge" on the registry fix, it opens a notepad file containing what I guess are registry values, apparently without actually changing anything. Here's some additional information on the problem itself: I can right-click and choose "Open" to open a folder, and it works correctly. But "Open" is the second option in that context menu; the top, bolded option is "Explore," and when I click on it, just like when I double-click, I get the error message described in the original post.

When I click "Merge" on the registry fix, it opens a notepad file containing what I guess are registry values, apparently without actually changing anything. If .reg files are opening in Notepad instead of Registry Editor, try fixing the association by right-clicking a .reg file, then Open with > Choose default program > Browse > C:\Windows\regedit.exe You can also merge .reg files by running Registry Editor manually: type regedit into the start menu and press enter. Then, go to File > Import.