Error "There is no script engine for file extension" when running .js files

Copyright © 2008 Ramesh Srinivasan
Error messages , Error messages

Symptom

When you attempt to run a .js (JScript Script File) file, one of the following errors may occur:

Can't find script engine "JScript" for script "filename.js".

There is no script engine for file extension ".js".

Resolution

This happens if the .js file class data is missing or incorrect. Follow these steps to resolve the problem:

Instructions for Windows Vista

Open an Elevated Command Prompt window. To do so, click Start, click All Programs, click Accessories, right-click Command Prompt, and then click Run as administrator.

Type the following command and press ENTER:

regsvr32 %systemroot%\system32\jscript.dll

Type EXIT to close the Command Prompt window
Download vista_js_fix.reg from the Attachments section (scroll below), and save it to Desktop
Right-click vista_js_fix.reg and choose Merge
Click Yes when asked for confirmation.

Instructions for Windows XP

Click Start, Run and type:

regsvr32 %systemroot%\system32\jscript.dll

Press ENTER
Download xp_js_fix.reg from the Attachments section below, and save it to Desktop
Right-click xp_js_fix.reg and choose Merge
Click Yes when asked for confirmation.

If the above does not solve the problem, then download and install Windows Script 5.7 from the following Microsoft Web site:

Download details: Windows Script 5.7 for Windows XP

Enjoyed the post? Subscribe to our feed to get frequent updates. We feature Tips, Troubleshooting information, Scripts and Utilities for Microsoft Windows Operating Systems! (Click on the Feed icon on the left and subscribe.)