Help all of my programs have turned into .Ink files

[czechvance]

so by accident I turned all of my files into 7zip files (dont ask how) and so I was looking up online how to fix it and someone said, to uninstall zip and restart your computer (my computor is a toshiba laptop) so I did that and then suddenly I couldnt open any single program I had! they were all turned into.Ink files! (an .ink file looks like a little blank piece of paper) so basicly I need help, I tried restoring my pc to a different date but that didnt help, I don't know how to reinstall windows because I dont have this certain disk, PLEASE HELP! I have school stuff on it and I need this laptop for school. I really need help!

 

[Karsten75]

It's not .ink, but .LNK - shows the link in the registry is broken - which it would be because you uninstalled 7zip to which they were linked.

Personally, I think you're up the creek without a paddle. You did so many things I have no idea if you can undo them.

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-windows_programs/what-is-extension-ink-suddenly-all-the-icons-in/0c81a0c7-8c78-4768-9e5b-9077a5ab2a9c

I guess you can try that, or you can try to re-install 7-zip, get your school files off and then take the computer to a reputable repair person who chould be able to re-install Windows for you for a nominal fee (make sure he installs the same version you have a printed key for on your machine). That should not cost additional money for the windows copy - a tech will know where to find the download files to re-install, he should just charge for his time.

Alternatively you can order a set of restore disks from the manufacturer of your PC, and do it yourself. May just take a little longer and the disks will cost around $20-$30.

 

[ss202sl]

Right click, select open with, and select the proper program.

 

[mlga91]

If you cant fix it, use system restore (start menu, programs, accesories, system tools) and restore it to a point before you messed it up (i mess up a lot, and i use this a lot lol).

 

[MrZoolook]

Try this:
http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/windows/en-US/e8631c28-4ce5-43cc-8865-b75fa2255b57/desktop-and-start-program-icon-lnk-file-associations?forum=itprovistadesktopui

It says it's for Vista, but reviews there indicate it works without problems in Win 7 also.

 

[MrZoolook]

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