Windows 8.1 - Microsoft Office 2013 Program Issues

Question

After 8.1 Windows and Malicious software updates installed, I cannot open my MS Office 2013 programs without the Error with shortcut coming up and "The item Outlook.exe that the shortcut refers to has been changed or moved, so the shortcut will no longer
work properly.  Do you want to delete it?"  Also when just clicking on a file, a window comes up to ask how do I want to open this file (see below).  I didn't do anything.  The PC just did updates upon shut down last night. 
System restore didn't fix issue either.  Please help.

Answer 1

It sounds as though the executable (.exe) files are configured to open with notepad. Unfortunately you cannot manage .exe association with a launched application from the Default Programs Control Panel applet. You will need to reset the configuration of
the .exe association within the registry. The default configuration is:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.exe]
@="exefile"
"Content Type"="application/x-msdownload"
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.exe\PersistentHandler]
@="{098f2470-bae0-11cd-b579-08002b30bfeb}"
I have exported these keys to a .reg file which you can download and merge on your system to replace the corrupted keys,
the link is here.
Disclaimer: As editing the registry can produce an unstable system or even prevent the system from booting, it is only recommended for advanced users comfortable with the ramifications. It is recommended to
back up any keys that might be edited and to have a
recovery environment available.                                  
Brandon
Windows Outreach Team- IT Pro
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