Programs on Window 10 won't open

[meetabdkareem]

Actually, I downloaded an exe file some days ago that I was finding hard to install. I searched for solutions online and I came across one that told me to go to the registry editor and I think I changed the directory file form "program Files/(x86)" to Program Files (x86). Since then, most of the applications on my computer are not opening. I have tried to open reg editor as an admin but i've not been able to.
I'll appreciate any assistance.

 

[USAFRet]

Actually, I downloaded an exe file some days ago that I was finding hard to install. I searched for solutions online and I came across one that told me to go to the registry editor and I think I changed the directory file form "program Files/(x86)" to Program Files (x86). Since then, most of the applications on my computer are not opening. I have tried to open reg editor as an admin but i've not been able to.
I'll appreciate any assistance.

You have a couple of options here:

1. Revert to a backup you made from before you did this.
2. Refresh the Registry from a copy you made before you did this.
3. A full wipe and reinstall of the OS and everything else.

Changing path values in the Reg like that has completely hosed up your system. You can't even get into the Registry to "fix it".
Don't do that again.

 

[Colif]

Did you create a back up of the registry before you made any changes?

So windows works? From the login screen, click the power button in bottom right of screen
while holding shift, click restart
lets see if running system restore fixes it. it keeps copies of the registry among other things.

choose troubleshoot
choose advanced
Choose System restore
Pick a date before you made the changes, System will restart and hopefully fix this. Any programs installed since the date won't exist, will need to be reinstalled. Helps to update AV as well.

 

[getochkn]

I'm curious as to what program you downloaded and wouldn't install.