Windows Valley

by

Ramesh Kumar

FIX: “The filename, directory name, or volume label syntax is incorrect” with INI files

I have received an email from my friend that he is facing some problem with INI association. The problem is: Whenever I try to open any file with extension “.ini” (either by double clicking or open with Notepad), It prompts The filename, directory name, or volume label syntax is incorrect

Same file opens if I open it using WordPad. The problem is occurring with all “.ini” files. If I create a text file, type something and save it with extension .ini, I can’t open it by double clicking or by right click and follow Open with >> Notepad.”

Actually It is caused by a Virus/Trojan and it can be fixed manually. So I am sharing the solution to fix it.

How To:

  1. Run Registry Editor (Type regedit in Start Search or Run Dialog box)
  2. Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\inifile\shell\open\command
  3. Now set its (Default) value to: %SystemRoot\%system32\Notepad.exe %1

 Or you can simply download the zip file and extract. Run Registry Patch and that’s it.

 Applies To:

  • Windows Server 2008 R2
  • Windows Server 2008
  • Windows 7
  • Windows Vista
  • Windows XP