Changing the Default ACTION when double clicking on a file

[Guest]

In prior versions of Windows, you could change the default action performed
when double clicking on a file.

Example - when double clicking a .reg or .vbs file, I want to edit it NOT
run it.

Where is this functionality in Vista Ultimate?

 

[Dave]

When I right-click a .reg file, there's an Edit option.

Or, right-click the file,
select Open With - Choose Default Program

 

[Guest]

Sorry Dave, you are close, but that only sets the default, it does not allow
one to change the ACTION taken when the program is double clicked.

 

[Andre Da Costa[ActiveWin]]

How did you do it in previous versions of Windows that supported it?

 

[Guest]

In Windows XP Professional (and most others)

Open Windows Explorer
Select Tools | Options
Select the File Types tab
Select the File extention you want to modify
Select the Advanced Button near the bottom

 

[Andre Da Costa[ActiveWin]]

As far as I can tell, most of this functionality has been replaced either by
Default Programs and AutoPlay options. Maybe I am just missing something.

 

[User]

Look at the bottom of this page under......
Step by step: Making REG files safer

http://www.geekgirls.com/windows_registry03.htm

I believe MVP Allen Edwards first made this or Doug Knox. Been to long ago
and don't remember but we encouraged everyone to change this.

All the best,
George

 

[rtk]

http://www.pctools.com/guides/registry/detail/253/

use the "through the registry" method, works like a charm.

This is an essential tweak for me as well.

 

[Ramesh, MS-MVP]

Randy.

The "Open With" option should work. In the "Open With" dialog choose your editor (Notepad?). Ensure that the checkmark "Always use the selected program..." is ticked, and click OK.

Double-clicking a .REG file should open your editor. You'll also note that the "Merge" action is replaced by "Open" in the context menu.

The above change applies to your user account only. You have to repeat the same in all other user accounts if you want.

Another option:

See:

Change Default Action of REG Files to “Edit.â€
http://www.aumha.org/regfiles.php

The editreg.reg in the above link, when merged, sets the (default) value and set it to "edit" in the following registry key:

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\regfile\shell]

--
Regards,

Ramesh Srinivasan, Microsoft MVP [Windows Shell/User]
Windows® Troubleshooting http://www.winhelponline.com


Sorry Dave, you are close, but that only sets the default, it does not allow
one to change the ACTION taken when the program is double clicked.