AskVG

[Fix] “This File does not have a Program Associated with it for Performing This Action” Error Message in Windows

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Sometimes Windows users face a strange problem while running games, 3rd party programs or opening files. They get following error 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.

It happens when “IsShortcut” string value for LNK filetype is missing in Windows Registry. It might be deleted by a 3rd party tweaking software or by you to remove the shortcut arrow from icons.

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If you are also facing this problem, follow these simple steps and your problem will be fixed:

1. Press WIN+R keys together to launch RUN dialog box. Now type regedit in RUN dialog box and press Enter. It’ll open Registry Editor.

Now go to following key:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Lnkfile

2. In right-side pane, right-click in empty area and select New -> String Value option. Now set its name to IsShortcut

IsShortcut_Registry_Key.png

3. That’s it. Close Registry Editor and restart your Windows. It’ll fix the problem.

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Published in: Troubleshooting Guides, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows Vista, Windows XP

About the author: Vishal Gupta (also known as VG) has been awarded with Microsoft MVP (Most Valuable Professional) award. He holds Masters degree in Computer Applications (MCA). He has written several tech articles for popular newspapers and magazines and has also appeared in tech shows on various TV channels.

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Comments

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  1. I tried most of these suggestions without a fix, in my case I had the massage box pop up when I tried to insert a USB… A program was put on the computer which I didn’t like & I removed it. This program made it’s self default program, I changed the default settings back to “ask me” & all good.

  2. I had IsShortcut already and STILL HAVE SAME PROBLEM!!

    So fixing IsShortcut is a P.O.S. solution!!

  4. I cannot open Windows Powershell after Creators Update with this error message and like most guys here there is already IsShortcut in my registry. Could you provide new ways to fix this? Thanks.

  7. nah this is not it. string IsShortcut is already present under HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Lnkfile.

    Any other good ideas?

  9. I followed all the instructions and it did not fix my issue. Please help! (even double checked after it didn’t work.)

  11. I followed instructions but the IsShortcut string is already there! still im facing this “openwith” problem. plz reply

  12. I followed instructions, but realized I already had IsShortcut in the register.

    My problem is I open windows explorer, and try to open any folder, and it gives me the error. I’m on Win 8.1.

  14. Hi Askvg,

    This works for me, I’ve try many solution from a lot of guide from internet but nothing work.

    Thank u very much!

  16. I had issues with step 2. When I clicked to create new string value, I couldn’t set the name to IsShortcut because it already existed.

  22. I ran some kind of malware and my pc ran into this very problem, your solution does help me. Thank you <3

  25. Couldn’t get anything to work on taskbar or anything pinned to taskbar. Your solution worked like a charm. Thanks.

  28. Tried to fix it on windows 10, but it doesn’t work for me. Have tried a number of times including restart and shut down; still comes up with the same message.

  29. When i enter regedit in run dialogue box and press enter ! There appear an error ” no such interface supported” . Can you help me with that?

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