File Explorer not opening after making FILES the default app.

[bcugs95]

Description

I installed this app, finding it beautiful and packed with features, the main one for myself being the tags. Thing is, it has been really slow/sluggish, even visually lagging when moving the window around. Hence, I decided to return to return to Window's File Explorer. I had chosen the experimental feature to make FILES my default app, so I unchecked it, removed it from start-up app. I have not uninstalled it since in case of needing my tags, I will still use it.

The is issue is: File Explorer is not accessible outside of opening the download folder in my browser. I heve already run the UnsetFilesAsDefault.reg file and nothing has changed, apparently.

I guess I am looking for what could have been specifically changed in the registry so that I can restore it to defaults.

Some images of the issues: (upon trying to open File Explorer from taskbar)

(Win+E)

(explorer.exe from C:\Windows )

(only way i have found to open File Explorer, so far: open browser>open downloads page>open "Show in folder" from a downloaded file)

Steps To Reproduce

These are the solutions I have found, tried, but come up short:

1. Run UnsetFilesAsDefault.reg
2. Alternitavely, have tried running SetFilesAsDefault.reg and THEN UnsetFilesAsDefault.reg

3. 3.1.1. Type "cmd" in windows search bar
    3.1.2. Right click on "Command Prompt"
    3.1.3. Select "Run as Administrator"
    3.1.4. Type "sfc /scannow" without quote and press ENTER
   Then :
   3.2.1. Type "cmd" in windows search bar
   3.2.2. Right click on "Command Prompt"
   3.2.3. Select "Run as Administrator"
   3.2.4. Type "DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth" without quote and press ENTER
   3.2.5. Type "DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth" without quote and press ENTER
   3.2.6. Type "DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth" without quote and press ENTER
   

4. Booted without uneccessary services by: Win+R>msconfig>services tab>check "Hide all Microsoft sevices" box>disable all services left>Restart
5. Restarted the device between all steps.

Requirements

Use File Explorer as usual, before the FILES app. I guess I am looking for what could have been specifically changed in the registry so that I can restore it to defaults.

Files Version

3.5.0.0

Windows Version

Edition Windows 11 Pro Version 24H2 Installed on ‎02/‎07/‎2024 OS build 26100.863 Experience Windows Feature Experience Pack 1000.26100.6.0

Log File

debug.log