File Associations and Default programs

[Dave Peterson]

I'm new to Windows XP. But in win98, I could force the default program for any
extension via:

Windows explorer|tools|Folder options|file types tab.

I could scroll down and pick the program that I want to use to open an
extension--say .jpg's with irfanview. In fact, I could change the default
action (Open/New) for lots of extensions (I _thought_ all).

In winXP, I can do the same thing, but there's a restore button at the bottom of
that dialog with these words near it:

You have customized files with extension 'JPG'. To restore these files to their
default type (Paint Shop Photo Album 5 Picture), click Restore.


So to me, it looks like WinXP remembers the first program associated with that
extension. This isn't usually too important, but when I click on a hyperlink in
Excel2003 that points at the .jpg file, it doesn't use the current default
program (irfanview). It uses that Paint Shop Pro program.

Under Win98/xl2002, my hyperlinks opened in the current default program.

So is there a way to make any chosen program the "first" program that owned the
extension? (I haven't used PSP, but I don't want to delete it either.)

And second (and I may be misremembering this), didn't all extensions have the
Advanced button on that dialog where I could specify the default action???

Thanks,

 

[Peter Foldes]

Have you checked the PSP\Options or Preferences for the associations and
what they are set for. Possible you can remove it there. Reboot after for it
to take effect.

 

[Dave Peterson]

I just tried that and the file still opened in "Paint Shop Photo Album 5
Picture".

But since this is a limited version (came with my new pc), I think I'll
uninstall it. There are other photo editors out there.

Thanks for your suggestion, though.

 

[Jabez Gan]

Dave,

Try www.gimp.org

 

[Dave Peterson]

Thanks for the suggestion.

Dave,

Try www.gimp.org

 

[Keith Miller]

Click the 'restore' button, the 'advanced' button will reappear, click that and edit the 'open' action there.

Keith

 

[Kelly]

Thank you!

--
In memory of our dear friend, MVP Alex Nichol: http://www.dts-l.org/

All the Best,
Kelly (MS-MVP)

Troubleshooting Windows XP
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com


Click the 'restore' button, the 'advanced' button will reappear, click that
and edit the 'open' action there.

Keith