"File Does Not Have a Program Associated with it.." Windows 7 and Windows 8 Error [Solved]
Windows users are keen to install third party software to explore new features. Sometimes, they are unable to run applications and face an error that the files don’t have program associated with them. This error is initiated due to some problems in registry settings. Let’s go through the procedure to fix “This file doesn’t have a program associated with it” error windows.
![File Does Not Have a Program Associated with it Windows 7 and Windows 8 Error [Solved]](https://www.programmerfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/File-Does-Not-Have-a-Program-Associated-with-it-Windows-7-and-Windows-8-Error-Solved-1.png)
The error occurs when “IsShortcut” string value for LNK file type is missing in Windows Registry. It might be removed by a bug or virus. You may also have deleted it while removing shortcut arrow from icons. You can rectify the problem by editing registry settings.
Open Registry editor from Run dialog box by typing “regedit” and hit Enter.
Go to the following key:
“HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Lnkfile”
You are required to right-click in the empty area in the right side pane and then select “New->String Value” option. Assign it the name as “IsShortcut”.
![File Does Not Have a Program Associated with it Windows 7 and Windows 8 Error [Solved] 2](https://www.programmerfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/File-Does-Not-Have-a-Program-Associated-with-it-Windows-7-and-Windows-8-Error-Solved-2.png)
This should fix your problem once you reboot your Windows. The third-party applications should run smoothly without any intervention. You have successfully debugged and solved “This file doesn’t have a program associated with it” error windows.