Solved Unable to open programmes

Hi,
I've recently started to experience problems with my eMachines E525 (Intel Celeron (R) CPU 900 @ 2.20Ghz, 2.00GB Ram, 150Gb, Vista Home Basic) when I try to open a programme.

If I attempt to open an existing programme on my machine or, having downloaded a new one, I get an 'Open With' box with a selection of icons that I can choose from or a lower portion of the box allows me to search and browse my machine for programmes to use to open my choice with. Even then it's hit and miss.

At first it was annoying but only applied to a few programmes. Now it's everything and certain programmes iTunes,Spotify won't open at all. I have tried System Restore and CCleaner.
I've even bought a System Recovery Disc but to no avail.
I'm at the stage of wondering if I need to buy another copy of Vista?

Any suggestions would be gratefully received. Thankyou

Hello, try this program from this Tutorial by Brink. Open with - Clean Up and Remove Programs - Windows 7 Forums

Thanks for the quick response Yard Dog. I don't think I was clear in my original post. I don't want to remove or add programmes to the Open With, I want to get rid of the Open With box and stop it blocking me from opening programmes already installed on my PC. I never used to have this problem and I'd like to get back to how every other pc I've owned operates.

I've tried deleting programmes from this box but, if I then try to open that programme, the box appears.

Try this one Open With - Add or Remove "Always use selected program" - Windows 7 Forums
Hopefully this is the one you need. Post back results please.

Thanks Yard Dog
Darn it. I thought that did it. I followed the instructions on the download, but the first programme I tried to open afterwards presented my with the same problem, the 'Open With' box popped up immediately.

K, lets try this, restart computer and see if a restart was needed to make changes take effect, if still not working , lets check if register files are missing or corrupted by running this program. We want to run it, then restart, run it , then restart, run and restart, then post me results after the 3 rd run as to whether this has fixed the isssue. Run this . Elevated command prompt. Go start, all programs, accessories, right click command prompt and select run as Admin. Then in command prompt window. type with out arrows. < sfc /scannnow > then press enter. Instructions are here : How to use the System File Checker tool to troubleshoot missing or corrupted system files on Windows Vista or on Windows 7

I suggest that you scan for malware with Malwarebytes and your antivirus.

Thankyou so much Yard Dog and Townsbg, I think between all your suggestions we've cracked it. Fingers crossed it's restored to it's normal operating mode.

Your welcome, glad to see this issue resolved. Feel free to come back anytime to hang out , if you look in the different areas you will see some excellent Tutorials posted by Brink. Good stuff.