Any good geeks out there?

[jopa66]

I consider myself to be somewhat knowledgeable but, this has me baffled.
This problem is on a fresh install of WindowsXP Professional. Not sure if
this was caused by software installation or perhaps one of the Windows
Update patches. I do know that the original install was OK. System restore
is not an option as I have spent hours (days) installing everything. Other
than this, everything is working great and the system has never worked
better. I guess I could live with this but, I prefer to get it fixed before
SP-2. If anyone has a solution I'd certainly appreciate it.

Here's the problem - you know that ugly little icon that Windows uses for
unknown file associations? Well here's the dilemma. When I list/search files
in Windows Explorer, any HTM or HTML documents now have this icon!! They
still work fine but I can't get the proper icon to show.

Here's what I've tried so far.


first:

In the "view files" tab of the "Folder Options" applet, all "HTML Document"
file types (13 in total) show the ugly icon in the list. They all "Open
with: Internet Explorer" and the little blue (e) is there. Clicking advanced
button brings up the next window which does show the proper icon
immediately beside the name "HTML Document". Clicking the Change Icon button
brings up the next window where the first icon in the second row is already
selected. This window is pointing to: D:\Program Files\Internet
Explorer\iexplore.exe (yes, the OS is on drive D).

I can choose any icon I want, click OK and the icon will change on the "Edit
File Type" window BUT, clicking OK here will NOT change it in the File Types
list or in Windows Explorer. Any other file type behaves properly, allowing
me to change its icon if I want.


second:

OK fine, Hit the Change button for "Open with:" - Internet Explorer is
already selected. Say OK and viola! - IExplore's little blue (e) now shows
in the file list (which is actually the first icon in the first row in that
previous window). Not the right icon but we're making progress, right? NOT!!

Windows Explorer doesn't give two hoots to what you've just done. And
furthermore, we no longer have the option to change the icon - only to
restore it, which brings us right back to the ugly thing where we started.

BTW: that last step changed the file type description from "HTML Document"
to "HTML File". Taking this step further, I can choose any program to "Open
with:" and the same scenario applies and double clicking will open the file
in the new program but, the icon remains unchanged and ugly in Windows
Explorer.


third:

Search the registry for string "HTML Document". Search results are as
follows:

Searchresults for "HTML Document" ,08/08/2004:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT
CLSID\{25336920-03F9-11CF-8FD0-00AA00686F13}

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT
htmlfile

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{25336920-03F9-11CF-8FD0-00AA00686F13}

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
SOFTWARE\Classes\htmlfile

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\HTML\ClientsName

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\Text
Converters\Export\HTMLName

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\Text
Converters\Import\HTMLName


DefaultIcon for the first 4 keys all point to:
D:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe,1

The 5th key shows iexplore as the only client and I don't think the last two
are important in this situation.


fourth:

Install Netscape Navigator v4.79 - allowing it to steal all the Internet
settings. It works! File type list as well as Windows Explorer all show the
Netscape icon. Now restart Iexplore - it complains that its not the default
browser. Click 'Yes' to make it the default and whamo - all the ugly icons
are back!!

Of course now I had the daunting task of uninstalling Netscape, then
cleaning up all the extra AOL, AIM and Navigator bits out of the registry.

I don't know what else to try. I'm obviously missing something that's
probably
quite simple

 

[Peter]

I consider myself to be somewhat knowledgeable but, this has me baffled.
This problem is on a fresh install of WindowsXP Professional.

'Somewhat' is indeed the right word. It's not clever of you to reinstall a
complete OS and all the applications, when you have SP2 a few days later,
that you could have slipstreamed with your original CD.

You're also not knowledgeable when it comes to net-etiquette; crossposting
is considered a bad thing and that's also the reason why I'm not going to
help you (and yes, I do know the answer).

 

[jopa66]

I thought "relevant newsgroups" was not really a problem as long as one
doesn't go overboard in number. I don't think that three is going overboard
but if I've stepped on anyone's toes I apologize. As for the install, that
was done six weeks ago! I was just hoping to fix this before SP-2.

Forgive me if I'm wrong and I haven't been around these groups very often
lately, but it is my intent to help others on the groups as well as ask
questions. FWIW - I'll consider myself chastised but, let me ask you this:
Do you consider single posts to more than one group to also be
cross-posting?

--
If it ain't broke - tweak it!

~john aka: jopa

 

[anonymouse]

Peter don't be mean, if you know the answer, tell him.

 

[dave]

'Somewhat' is indeed the right word. It's not clever of you to reinstall a
complete OS and all the applications, when you have SP2 a few days later,
that you could have slipstreamed with your original CD.

You're also not knowledgeable when it comes to net-etiquette; crossposting
is considered a bad thing and that's also the reason why I'm not going to
help you (and yes, I do know the answer).

That's also a waste of time and NG space. I'm 100% positive there must
be some kind of net-etiquette violation in that also. You rude crude, snob.
Oh by the way, you'll probably get mad and start a thread re: my response.
(Another net-etiquette violation). So stop wasting our time and just tell
him the answer. He didn't know and now he does. And even if he doesn't, this
is a source of help. You can choose to ignore. I don't like people like you.

 

[roach]

'Somewhat' is indeed the right word. It's not clever of you to reinstall a
complete OS and all the applications, when you have SP2 a few days later,
that you could have slipstreamed with your original CD.

You're also not knowledgeable when it comes to net-etiquette; crossposting
is considered a bad thing and that's also the reason why I'm not going to
help you (and yes, I do know the answer).


You miserable twat!!

roach

 

[PA Bear]

See 'XP Icon Repair. WinXP'
http://aumha.org/regfiles.php

Download: http://aumha.org/downloads/xpicons.zip
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-Windows (IE/OE), AH-VSOP

Are You Ready for WinXP SP2?
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/default.aspx

WinXP SP2 Release Notes
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;835935

AumHa Forums
http://forum.aumha.org

 

[Synapse Syndrome]

'Somewhat' is indeed the right word. It's not clever of you to reinstall a
complete OS and all the applications, when you have SP2 a few days later,
that you could have slipstreamed with your original CD.

You're also not knowledgeable when it comes to net-etiquette; crossposting
is considered a bad thing and that's also the reason why I'm not going to
help you (and yes, I do know the answer).

bitch

ss.

 

[Synapse Syndrome]

I consider myself to be somewhat knowledgeable but, this has me baffled.
This problem is on a fresh install of WindowsXP Professional. Not sure if
this was caused by software installation or perhaps one of the Windows
Update patches. I do know that the original install was OK. System restore
is not an option as I have spent hours (days) installing everything. Other
than this, everything is working great and the system has never worked
better. I guess I could live with this but, I prefer to get it fixed before
SP-2. If anyone has a solution I'd certainly appreciate it.

Here's the problem - you know that ugly little icon that Windows uses for
unknown file associations? Well here's the dilemma. When I list/search files
in Windows Explorer, any HTM or HTML documents now have this icon!! They
still work fine but I can't get the proper icon to show.

Here's what I've tried so far.


first:

In the "view files" tab of the "Folder Options" applet, all "HTML Document"
file types (13 in total) show the ugly icon in the list. They all "Open
with: Internet Explorer" and the little blue (e) is there. Clicking advanced
button brings up the next window which does show the proper icon
immediately beside the name "HTML Document". Clicking the Change Icon button
brings up the next window where the first icon in the second row is already
selected. This window is pointing to: D:\Program Files\Internet
Explorer\iexplore.exe (yes, the OS is on drive D).

I can choose any icon I want, click OK and the icon will change on the "Edit
File Type" window BUT, clicking OK here will NOT change it in the File Types
list or in Windows Explorer. Any other file type behaves properly, allowing
me to change its icon if I want.


second:

OK fine, Hit the Change button for "Open with:" - Internet Explorer is
already selected. Say OK and viola! - IExplore's little blue (e) now shows
in the file list (which is actually the first icon in the first row in that
previous window). Not the right icon but we're making progress, right? NOT!!

Windows Explorer doesn't give two hoots to what you've just done. And
furthermore, we no longer have the option to change the icon - only to
restore it, which brings us right back to the ugly thing where we started.

BTW: that last step changed the file type description from "HTML Document"
to "HTML File". Taking this step further, I can choose any program to "Open
with:" and the same scenario applies and double clicking will open the file
in the new program but, the icon remains unchanged and ugly in Windows
Explorer.


third:

Search the registry for string "HTML Document". Search results are as
follows:

Searchresults for "HTML Document" ,08/08/2004:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT
CLSID\{25336920-03F9-11CF-8FD0-00AA00686F13}

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT
htmlfile

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{25336920-03F9-11CF-8FD0-00AA00686F13}

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
SOFTWARE\Classes\htmlfile

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\HTML\ClientsName

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\Text
Converters\Export\HTMLName

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\Text
Converters\Import\HTMLName


DefaultIcon for the first 4 keys all point to:
D:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe,1

The 5th key shows iexplore as the only client and I don't think the last two
are important in this situation.


fourth:

Install Netscape Navigator v4.79 - allowing it to steal all the Internet
settings. It works! File type list as well as Windows Explorer all show the
Netscape icon. Now restart Iexplore - it complains that its not the default
browser. Click 'Yes' to make it the default and whamo - all the ugly icons
are back!!

Of course now I had the daunting task of uninstalling Netscape, then
cleaning up all the extra AOL, AIM and Navigator bits out of the registry.

I don't know what else to try. I'm obviously missing something that's
probably
quite simple

I have the same thing happening here, with the same HTM and HTML icons.
It's been like this for several months, and I tried a lot of things before
giving up.

However, I did manage to change it to a random icon at some time, and now
it's stuck on this even more stupid icon. And I have completely forgotten
how I changed it.

ss.

 

[jopa66]

Thank you PA Bear for your response, however this is NOT the answer to my
own problem.

I am happy to say though that I have just now fixed the problem. For anyone
interested - (in all three groups) the answer is here:
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/htmicon.htm

RESOLUTION

a.. Open Registry Editor (Regedit.exe) and navigate to the following
location:

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\htmlfile]

b.. Backup the key by exporting it as a REG file. See here for more
information on how to do that.

c.. After backing up the key, delete the htmlfile key from the registry.

d.. Open Internet Explorer and click the Tools menu. Choose Internet
Options and select the Programs tab.

e.. Click Reset Web Settings button and complete the process.

 

[Jan Il]

Hi Peter

-----Original Message-----

You're also not knowledgeable when it comes to net-

etiquette; crossposting is considered a bad thing and
that's also the reason why I'm not going to help you (and
yes, I do know the answer).


While reminding other posters as to proper newsgroup net-
etiquette, perhaps you might wish review the information
here: http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm,
particularly the topics below:

b. Avoid cross-posting, unless your problem clearly fits
the category of more than one group.

c. Never post separate identical messages to several
newsgroups. This wastes respondents' time, and may result
in you being ignored.

Rules of Conduct

Appropriate Langugage: The purpose of our communities is
to exchange technical information and expertise about
Microsoft products. Please avoid personal attacks, slurs,
and profanity in your interactions.

Chat Rules

.. Please treat all other online participants with respect
and do not use Microsoft Community Chats to threaten,
harass, stalk, or abuse other users.

Hope this helps.

Jan
Smiles are meant to be shared,
that's why they're so contagious.

 

[Dave F.]

c. Never post separate identical messages to several

newsgroups. This wastes respondents' time, and may result
in you being ignored.

I dissagree.

1. The vast majority of people do NOT frequent all the NG's (even
relevent/related ones)

2. Even if they do, I'd hope the respondent would have the intelligence to
realise he/she read the same Q. previously. If they don't, then you should
be v. suspitious of the answers.

3. I post individual but identical Q's so I can get the best chance of an
accurate answer (which is not easy), by asking as many people as possible.
Believe me, in the years I've been asking questions i've had some seriously
crap answers from people who should keep their gobs shut.

Dave F.

 

[jopa66]

Unfortunately it's posts like this that make me lose any respect that I may
have had for the person. I took no offense to Jan's post. I appreciate all
the responses I've seen on this thread and although I was taken aback by
Peter's message, it does make me want to be more careful. My own opinion is
very much like what Dave F. said in his post. And Jan's post is just about
common sense courtesy. I realize that not everyone always agrees and there
will always be those who resort to personal attacks.

Meantime - the problem is fixed. I found the answer myself and posted here
for anyone who is interested.

 

[Diogenes]

I dissagree.

Okay, but I agree.

1. The vast majority of people do NOT frequent all the NG's (even
relevent/related ones)

Most of the regulars in the alt. groups frequent several.

2. Even if they do, I'd hope the respondent would have the
intelligence to realise he/she read the same Q. previously. If they
don't, then you should be v. suspitious of the answers.

I hate seeing the same thing posted to multiple groups singly instead of being
cross-posted.

3. I post individual but identical Q's so I can get the best chance
of an accurate answer (which is not easy), by asking as many people

I ignore them as soon as I see them posted that way.

as possible. Believe me, in the years I've been asking questions i've
had some seriously crap answers from people who should keep their
gobs shut.

It could be because of the question you ask, or the way you ask them. The
same can be said about what you just posted.

 

[Synapse Syndrome]

Hi Peter
etiquette; crossposting is considered a bad thing and
that's also the reason why I'm not going to help you (and
yes, I do know the answer).


While reminding other posters as to proper newsgroup net-
etiquette, perhaps you might wish review the information
here: http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm,
particularly the topics below:

b. Avoid cross-posting, unless your problem clearly fits
the category of more than one group.

c. Never post separate identical messages to several
newsgroups. This wastes respondents' time, and may result
in you being ignored.

Rules of Conduct

Appropriate Langugage: The purpose of our communities is
to exchange technical information and expertise about
Microsoft products. Please avoid personal attacks, slurs,
and profanity in your interactions.

Chat Rules

. Please treat all other online participants with respect
and do not use Microsoft Community Chats to threaten,
harass, stalk, or abuse other users.

Hope this helps.

Jan
Smiles are meant to be shared,
that's why they're so contagious.

Who the **** do you think you are, you busybody newbie?

ss.

 

[Unknown]

You have the most obnoxious of personalities. Since he cross posted you won't
help. Why don't you just keep quiet and go away.

 

[Unknown]

Consider his personality. Rotten to the core.

Unfortunately it's posts like this that make me lose any respect that I may
have had for the person. I took no offense to Jan's post. I appreciate all
the responses I've seen on this thread and although I was taken aback by
Peter's message, it does make me want to be more careful. My own opinion is
very much like what Dave F. said in his post. And Jan's post is just about
common sense courtesy. I realize that not everyone always agrees and there
will always be those who resort to personal attacks.

Meantime - the problem is fixed. I found the answer myself and posted here
for anyone who is interested.

 

[Unknown]

This was meant for Peter

You have the most obnoxious of personalities. Since he cross posted you won't
help. Why don't you just keep quiet and go away.

 

[Synapse Syndrome]

Consider his personality. Rotten to the core.

Let's all just have a big fight!

ss.

 

[PA Bear]

Thanks for posting back and I'm glad to see you've resolved your problem. I
am taking the liberty of forwarding your post to the proprietor of the
webpage.
--
~PA Bear

Thank you PA Bear for your response, however this is NOT the answer to my
own problem.

I am happy to say though that I have just now fixed the problem. For
anyone interested - (in all three groups) the answer is here:
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/htmicon.htm

RESOLUTION

a.. Open Registry Editor (Regedit.exe) and navigate to the following
location:

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\htmlfile]

b.. Backup the key by exporting it as a REG file. See here for more
information on how to do that.

c.. After backing up the key, delete the htmlfile key from the registry.

d.. Open Internet Explorer and click the Tools menu. Choose Internet
Options and select the Programs tab.

e.. Click Reset Web Settings button and complete the process.

See 'XP Icon Repair. WinXP'
http://aumha.org/regfiles.php

Download: http://aumha.org/downloads/xpicons.zip