Windows 7 Pro - All links broken

[Arcex]

This is a fun one. Every single link in my Start Menu, desktop and task bar has become the link to the same program. I am quite sure it's not the application itself (Paint.net), something happened that made all my links point to the same program.

If I right click/Properties any of the links it shows the correct data for where the link should be pointing (including the path name) but clicking any of the links makes Paint.net start.

I am quite skilled with PC's/Windows, I have all Windows updates, virus protection is extensive and up to date, etc. I have searched and been unable to find someone else with the same issue, let alone a fix. Please help.

 

[Nothinman]

My first guess would be that you somehow managed to associate .lnk files with Paint.net...

 

[mechBgon]

First fix I'd try is a System Restore to before the problem occurred. It's sort of low-brow, but hey.

 

[FoxFifth]

I've seen this as a very common problem on Microsoft Answers. I just went there and searched "all shortcuts same program" and found a lot of them. I didn't spend a lot of time comparing the various answers but this one sounds like a probable solution: http://social.answers.microsoft.com...s/thread/76f363aa-7714-4963-b406-1fbd552e7830