Solved Getting Photo Gallery Error Message With All Programs

For just about any program that I try to open (iTunes, Snipping Tool, etc.), the Windows Photo Gallery opens up, and I get the following error message: "Photo Gallery can't open this picture or video. This file format is not supported, or you don't have the latest updates to Photo Gallery." I'm not even trying to open up a photo or video file! What the heck is going on? Any help would be very much appreciated! Thanks!

Just a guess, your file association for .exe files may have changed to Windows Photo Gallery.

This tutorial can be used to reset file associations.

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/233243-default-file-type-associations-restore.html?filter[11]=File%20Folder%20Settings

I would be interested to know why it changed.
I would run a malwarebytes scan to be sure.

Malwarebytes

Depending on the results of the malware scan, and further directions from the above.

This link eventually may be of some help:-
How do I... Change file extension associations in Windows Vista? | TechRepublic

Thanks for the quick responses.

I tried resetting the file associations, and got as far as Step 5: Click on Run, Continue (UAC), Yes, and OK when prompted.

Where do I click on Run? I'm not sure this is the issue however, as I don't think it's only affecting the .exe files. When I click on the Show Desktop and Switch Between Windows icons in the lower left corner, I get the same Photo Gallery error message.

I think it may have got changed a couple of days ago when there was an automatic Windows update. I have Spybot installed, and when it prompted me to approve a registry change I selected Don't Allow this change. That was a mistake apparently...

Might want to do a System Restore back to when it was running smoothly!
Like I said.....You might want to try it!

ilike the change ilikefree.......

kesume said:

ilike the change ilikefree.......

Click to expand...

Thanks, more reflects me as a person.

If you restore to before the update that you think you gave the wrong answer to, you will be offered it again. Make a restore point before making changes to the registry.

I downloaded and ran the Malwarebytes scan, and though it found about 37 things to quarantine and delete, I restarted the computer and am still having the same issue. I tried to do the System Restore, but I get the usual error message "Photo Gallery can't open this picture or video. This file format is not supported, or you don't have the latest updates to Photo Gallery."

I'll try anything! Help! Please!

You will have to try to get into safe mode
Turn off your computer. Restart and before Windows starts to load press F8.I just keep tapping until the menu opens.
You should get taken to a box that gives the option to start in safe mode.
Resolution will be strange don't worry about that.
Go to the start search, type cmd and while holding ctrl and shift press enter
In the box that opens type
sfc /scannow
note the space
If errors are found restart and run the test again.

Thanks ilikefree. Quick question, which test should I run again if errors are found, the sfc /scannow?

Yes it can only repair so many at a time and sometimes needs a restart to repair files that are in use.

Where do I click on Run?

Click to expand...

I'm not sure this is the issue however, as I don't think it's only affecting the .exe files. When I click on the Show Desktop and Switch Between Windows icons in the lower left corner, I get the same Photo Gallery error message.

Click to expand...

These things rely on .exe files also.

.

I have never heard of a security warning to run the Vista default desktop.
Did the malware scan mention anything about your desktop?
You could try system restore while in safe mode

That is the REG file for re-setting the EXE file association.

It just happens to be on the Desktop in this case.

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This was in response to a previous post by funkyguitar.

funkyguitar said:

I downloaded and ran the Malwarebytes scan, and though it found about 37 things to quarantine and delete, I restarted the computer and am still having the same issue. I tried to do the System Restore, but I get the usual error message "Photo Gallery can't open this picture or video. This file format is not supported, or you don't have the latest updates to Photo Gallery."

I'll try anything! Help! Please!

Click to expand...

37 items found with MalwareBytes tells me your system security is not good enough.
I recommend you download Microsoft Security Essentials and replace what you are using at the moment. Also in your browser reset all security settings to their defaults
Then go to your privacy settings and check
don't except third party cookies
Update MSE and scan
Do another full scan with MalwareBytes after updating.
Update before each scan.Scan regularly.

Ardneh said:

That is the REG file for re-setting the EXE file association.

It just happens to be on the Desktop in this case.

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This was in response to a previous post by funkyguitar.

Click to expand...

OH, He should have run that ages ago.Sorry.

The security warning you received when you ran the program Ardneh linked you to is normal and you should click run.
If that warning pops up when you are not running a program you should take care.

I was able to run System Restore in Safe Mode, but it was unable to successfully restore the drive to to the restore date I selected, and suggested I pick a different restore point.

I ran the test, sfc /scannow, and it found errors, but it was unable to fix or delete them. It said they could be found at C:/Windows/Logs/CBS/CBS.log There are three files there in that folder: cbs.bld (BLD file), CBS and CBS.persist (text documents - which when I try to open I get an Access Denied message).

Hopefully this helps out?