Weird .exe Problem. HELP

Apr 28, 2018
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Weird .exe Problem. HELP

When trying to open ANY "XXXX.exe" program (or opening any program shortcut from my desktop), MS Excel is launched and runs properly.

I am able to open other programs ONLY by double clicking on a document from that program. For example, double clicking on XXX.doc will open MS Word to that document.

Windows 7 Home Premium Service Pack 1 on Dell Inspiron. Can't get System Restore to start.

After over 30 yrs of using computers and managi ng to solve lots of problems myself, I've never seen this one before, and have no idea how to proceed.
Need help! Please.

Jack in Tennessee