“This File Does Not Have a Program Associated with it” Error Message While Running a Game from Game Explorer in Windows Vista and 7

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Sometimes Windows Vista and 7 users face a problem while running games. Whenever they try to run a game from Game Explorer, they get following error message:

This file does not have a program associated with it for performing this action. Create an association in the set associations Control Panel.

It happens when you delete the "IsShortcut" String value in Registry Editor or you use a tweaking software to remove the shortcut arrow from icons.

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

1. Type regedit in RUN dialog box and press Enter. Now goto:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Lnkfile

2. In right-side pane, create a new String Value IsShortcut

3. Close Registry Editor and restart your Windows. It'll fix the problem.

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This article was posted by VG in following section: Troubleshooting, Windows 7, Windows Vista.

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hallinka

Thanks! This worked perfectly. Back to Minesweeper..
Babel-17

Many thanks. I used a tweak utility on the Windows 7 beta and had this problem. Your solution fixed me right up.
Jordan

Uhh, I don't seem to have HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\lnkfile in regedit, would should I do? I don't have much experience with the Registry Editor..
Jordan

doesn't matter, i made a mistake.. i tried searching for ink not Lnk.. oh well! back to my games!
lim

i am facing the same problem. but i couldn't find inkfile. only inifile or InkEd. what shud i do???
VG

^^ Its not I, its L. :)
Josh

I clicked .lnk but under it i see 2 things. ShellEx and ShellNew. What i did was, i just clicked lnk and added IsShortcut. I did all that but my game still will not open. Am i suppose to add a value data? I did but even that didnt fix it.
VG

^^ You don't need to add any key under "lnk". Select "Lnk" key and in right-side pane, create a new String value and give it name "IsShortcut".