How do I STOP WinXP from assuming I want something when I don't!!!

[Robert Macy]

I wish to open .bmp files using an MSpaint.exe version from Win98.
Historically, on another WinXP, I was able to cancel the link to open
with WinXP's version of MSpaint and then when I double clicked I could
select from a list inserting my Win98 version. But can't on this @#$@#
%^&#@ machine!

I deleted the relationship to MSpaint.exe version on the WinXP
machine. Then the icon came up blank as expected, but when I clicked
select 'open' instead of allowing a list WinXP went and opened
the .bmp with some MS FAX and Video Viewer [that I don't even use!!]
and forced a link from then on. I wouldn't have minded but I can't
even select an alternative to open the file with!

Now this MS FAX and Video viewer has taken over COMPLETELY! No way to
cancel the application associated with a .bmp file, because there is
NO alternative when trying to open the file. .bmp no longer even
appears on the files list in folder options - types, the .bmp is gone
from there!

When it was listed, I removed it but then when I clicked on the .bmp
file to open it up, instead of asking what application I want to open
the file with WinXP immediately has it opened by MS FAX and Video
Viewer. There is NO way to select from a list at all and if I say
'open' MS FAX and Video Viewer is opening it onlly!

Ok, so let's try to do change under properties by right clicking
on .bmp file NO that doesn't work either change nothing comes up to
change there, Earlier there was a list of edit, open, print which
makes me think it is possibly dangerous to completely remove the link
for WinXP to select whatever it wants for me to open it.

Which I could live with *IF* I could at least open the file with some
other application, which WinXP won't let me.

So HOW do I at least get a choice opening these .bmp files??

 

[Bruce Hagen]

I wish to open .bmp files using an MSpaint.exe version from Win98.
Historically, on another WinXP, I was able to cancel the link to open
with WinXP's version of MSpaint and then when I double clicked I could
select from a list inserting my Win98 version. But can't on this @#$@#
%^&#@ machine!

I deleted the relationship to MSpaint.exe version on the WinXP
machine. Then the icon came up blank as expected, but when I clicked
select 'open' instead of allowing a list WinXP went and opened
the .bmp with some MS FAX and Video Viewer [that I don't even use!!]
and forced a link from then on. I wouldn't have minded but I can't
even select an alternative to open the file with!

Now this MS FAX and Video viewer has taken over COMPLETELY! No way to
cancel the application associated with a .bmp file, because there is
NO alternative when trying to open the file. .bmp no longer even
appears on the files list in folder options - types, the .bmp is gone
from there!

When it was listed, I removed it but then when I clicked on the .bmp
file to open it up, instead of asking what application I want to open
the file with WinXP immediately has it opened by MS FAX and Video
Viewer. There is NO way to select from a list at all and if I say
'open' MS FAX and Video Viewer is opening it onlly!

Ok, so let's try to do change under properties by right clicking
on .bmp file NO that doesn't work either change nothing comes up to
change there, Earlier there was a list of edit, open, print which
makes me think it is possibly dangerous to completely remove the link
for WinXP to select whatever it wants for me to open it.

Which I could live with *IF* I could at least open the file with some
other application, which WinXP won't let me.

So HOW do I at least get a choice opening these .bmp files??

Right click on the file.
Select: Open With from the pop-up menu.
Click: Choose [default] Program.
Select: Whatever program you want to use.
Check: Always use the selected program to open this kind of file.
Click OK.

 

[Paul in Houston TX]

I wish to open .bmp files using an MSpaint.exe version from Win98.
Historically, on another WinXP, I was able to cancel the link to open
with WinXP's version of MSpaint and then when I double clicked I could
select from a list inserting my Win98 version. But can't on this @#$@#
%^&#@ machine!

I deleted the relationship to MSpaint.exe version on the WinXP
machine. Then the icon came up blank as expected, but when I clicked
select 'open' instead of allowing a list WinXP went and opened
the .bmp with some MS FAX and Video Viewer [that I don't even use!!]
and forced a link from then on. I wouldn't have minded but I can't
even select an alternative to open the file with!

Now this MS FAX and Video viewer has taken over COMPLETELY! No way to
cancel the application associated with a .bmp file, because there is
NO alternative when trying to open the file. .bmp no longer even
appears on the files list in folder options - types, the .bmp is gone
from there!

When it was listed, I removed it but then when I clicked on the .bmp
file to open it up, instead of asking what application I want to open
the file with WinXP immediately has it opened by MS FAX and Video
Viewer. There is NO way to select from a list at all and if I say
'open' MS FAX and Video Viewer is opening it onlly!

Ok, so let's try to do change under properties by right clicking
on .bmp file NO that doesn't work either change nothing comes up to
change there, Earlier there was a list of edit, open, print which
makes me think it is possibly dangerous to completely remove the link
for WinXP to select whatever it wants for me to open it.

Which I could live with *IF* I could at least open the file with some
other application, which WinXP won't let me.

So HOW do I at least get a choice opening these .bmp files??

No where do you mention "open with".
If you don't have that for some odd reason, then change bmp
in the registry to open bmp's with what ever you want use.

 

[Robert Macy]

I wish to open .bmp files using an MSpaint.exe version from Win98.
Historically, on another WinXP, I was able to cancel the link to open
with WinXP's version of MSpaint and then when I double clicked I could
select from a list inserting my Win98 version. But can't on this @#$@#
%^&#@ machine!

I deleted the relationship to MSpaint.exe version on the WinXP
machine. Then the icon came up blank as expected, but when I clicked
select 'open' instead of allowing a list WinXP went and opened
the .bmp with some MS FAX and Video Viewer [that I don't even use!!]
and forced a link from then on. I wouldn't have minded but I can't
even select an alternative to open the file with!

Now this MS FAX and Video viewer has taken over COMPLETELY! No way to
cancel the application associated with a .bmp file, because there is
NO alternative when trying to open the file. .bmp no longer even
appears on the files list in folder options - types, the .bmp is gone
from there!

When it was listed, I removed it but then when I clicked on the .bmp
file to open it up, instead of asking what application I want to open
the file with WinXP immediately has it opened by MS FAX and Video
Viewer. There is NO way to select from a list at all and if I say
'open' MS FAX and Video Viewer is opening it onlly!

Ok, so let's try to do change  under properties by right clicking
on .bmp file NO that doesn't work either change nothing comes up to
change there, Earlier there was a list of edit, open, print which
makes me think it is possibly dangerous to completely remove the link
for WinXP to select whatever it wants for me to open it.

Which I could live with *IF* I could at least open the file with some
other application, which WinXP won't let me.

So HOW do I at least get a choice opening these .bmp files??

Right click on the file.
Select: Open With from the pop-up menu.
Click: Choose [default] Program.
Select: Whatever program you want to use.
Check: Always use the selected program to open this kind of file.
Click OK.

That menu does NOT come up. Right click does NOT present any choice or
change whatsoever.

 

[Robert Macy]

I wish to open .bmp files using an MSpaint.exe version from Win98.
Historically, on another WinXP, I was able to cancel the link to open
with WinXP's version of MSpaint and then when I double clicked I could
select from a list inserting my Win98 version. But can't on this @#$@#
%^&#@ machine!

I deleted the relationship to MSpaint.exe version on the WinXP
machine. Then the icon came up blank as expected, but when I clicked
select 'open' instead of allowing a list WinXP went and opened
the .bmp with some MS FAX and Video Viewer [that I don't even use!!]
and forced a link from then on. I wouldn't have minded but I can't
even select an alternative to open the file with!

Now this MS FAX and Video viewer has taken over COMPLETELY! No way to
cancel the application associated with a .bmp file, because there is
NO alternative when trying to open the file. .bmp no longer even
appears on the files list in folder options - types, the .bmp is gone
from there!

When it was listed, I removed it but then when I clicked on the .bmp
file to open it up, instead of asking what application I want to open
the file with WinXP immediately has it opened by MS FAX and Video
Viewer. There is NO way to select from a list at all and if I say
'open' MS FAX and Video Viewer is opening it onlly!

change there, Earlier there was a list of edit, open, print which
makes me think it is possibly dangerous to completely remove the link
for WinXP to select whatever it wants for me to open it.

Which I could live with *IF* I could at least open the file with some
other application, which WinXP won't let me.

So HOW do I at least get a choice opening these .bmp files??

No where do you mention "open with".
If you don't have that for some odd reason, then change bmp
in the registry to open bmp's with what ever you want use.

I thought I mentioned it here:

Ok, so let's try to do change  under properties by right clicking
on .bmp file NO that doesn't work either change nothing comes up to

Right clicking does NOT present any ability to change to a different
application.

You are on the right track. Somewhere in the Registry I need to
change. But, remember. There is a potential that buried files in some
application may NEED tobe opened up using MS FAX and Video Player as
part of that document - may be an inbedded image. I don't know.

So, right now, all I need is a way to select opening the stupid file
with an alternative application, and WinXP won't even let me do THAT!!!

 

[Paul in Houston TX]

I wish to open .bmp files using an MSpaint.exe version from Win98.
Historically, on another WinXP, I was able to cancel the link to open
with WinXP's version of MSpaint and then when I double clicked I could
select from a list inserting my Win98 version. But can't on this @#$@#
%^&#@ machine!
I deleted the relationship to MSpaint.exe version on the WinXP
machine. Then the icon came up blank as expected, but when I clicked
select 'open' instead of allowing a list WinXP went and opened
the .bmp with some MS FAX and Video Viewer [that I don't even use!!]
and forced a link from then on. I wouldn't have minded but I can't
even select an alternative to open the file with!
Now this MS FAX and Video viewer has taken over COMPLETELY! No way to
cancel the application associated with a .bmp file, because there is
NO alternative when trying to open the file. .bmp no longer even
appears on the files list in folder options - types, the .bmp is gone
from there!
When it was listed, I removed it but then when I clicked on the .bmp
file to open it up, instead of asking what application I want to open
the file with WinXP immediately has it opened by MS FAX and Video
Viewer. There is NO way to select from a list at all and if I say
'open' MS FAX and Video Viewer is opening it onlly!
change there, Earlier there was a list of edit, open, print which
makes me think it is possibly dangerous to completely remove the link
for WinXP to select whatever it wants for me to open it.
Which I could live with *IF* I could at least open the file with some
other application, which WinXP won't let me.
So HOW do I at least get a choice opening these .bmp files??

No where do you mention "open with".
If you don't have that for some odd reason, then change bmp
in the registry to open bmp's with what ever you want use.

I thought I mentioned it here:

Ok, so let's try to do change under properties by right clicking
on .bmp file NO that doesn't work either change nothing comes up to

Right clicking does NOT present any ability to change to a different
application.

You are on the right track. Somewhere in the Registry I need to
change. But, remember. There is a potential that buried files in some
application may NEED tobe opened up using MS FAX and Video Player as
part of that document - may be an inbedded image. I don't know.

So, right now, all I need is a way to select opening the stupid file
with an alternative application, and WinXP won't even let me do THAT!!!

Use another computer to open the file.
Or fix the registry context menu.
Or fix just that one item. Your choice.
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExts\.bmp\OpenWithList]
"a"="i_view32.exe"
"b"="MSPAINT.EXE"
"MRUList"="ba"

 

[JJ]

Right clicking does NOT present any ability to change to a different
application.

You are on the right track. Somewhere in the Registry I need to
change. But, remember. There is a potential that buried files in some
application may NEED tobe opened up using MS FAX and Video Player as
part of that document - may be an inbedded image. I don't know.

So, right now, all I need is a way to select opening the stupid file
with an alternative application, and WinXP won't even let me do THAT!!!

Try re-registering the SHELL.DLL. But first, create a manual System Restore
point. Then open the Run dialog and enter below command line:

REGSVR32 C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\SHELL32.DLL

Try right clicking on a file to see if the "Open With..." menu shows up
again. If it's not, then you probably have a bad shell extension, cause only
they can remove right-click popup menu items.

As an alternative, save below text as a REG file (e.g.: "patch.reg") then
doubleclick it to apply it. It'll show a new popup menu item named "Open
With App..." that should open the lost "Open With" feature.

---------start of file. don't include this line----------
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shell\openwith]
@="Open With App..."

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shell\openwith\command]
@="rundll32.exe shell32.dll,OpenAs_RunDLL %1"

 

[dadiOH]

Robert Macy wrote, On 5/31/2013 8:50 AM:

So HOW do I at least get a choice opening these .bmp files??

Right click on the file.
Select: Open With from the pop-up menu.
Click: Choose [default] Program.
Select: Whatever program you want to use.
Check: Always use the selected program to open this kind of file.
Click OK.

That menu does NOT come up. Right click does NOT present any choice or
change whatsoever.

SHIFT right click

 

[dadiOH]

Robert Macy wrote, On 5/31/2013 8:54 AM:

I wish to open .bmp files using an MSpaint.exe version from Win98.
Historically, on another WinXP, I was able to cancel the link to open
with WinXP's version of MSpaint and then when I double clicked I could
select from a list inserting my Win98 version. But can't on this @#$@#
%^&#@ machine!

I deleted the relationship to MSpaint.exe version on the WinXP
machine. Then the icon came up blank as expected, but when I clicked
select 'open' instead of allowing a list WinXP went and opened
the .bmp with some MS FAX and Video Viewer [that I don't even use!!]
and forced a link from then on. I wouldn't have minded but I can't
even select an alternative to open the file with!

Now this MS FAX and Video viewer has taken over COMPLETELY! No way to
cancel the application associated with a .bmp file, because there is
NO alternative when trying to open the file. .bmp no longer even
appears on the files list in folder options - types, the .bmp is gone
from there!

When it was listed, I removed it but then when I clicked on the .bmp
file to open it up, instead of asking what application I want to open
the file with WinXP immediately has it opened by MS FAX and Video
Viewer. There is NO way to select from a list at all and if I say
'open' MS FAX and Video Viewer is opening it onlly!

change there, Earlier there was a list of edit, open, print which
makes me think it is possibly dangerous to completely remove the link
for WinXP to select whatever it wants for me to open it.

Which I could live with *IF* I could at least open the file with some
other application, which WinXP won't let me.

So HOW do I at least get a choice opening these .bmp files??

No where do you mention "open with".
If you don't have that for some odd reason, then change bmp
in the registry to open bmp's with what ever you want use.

I thought I mentioned it here:

Ok, so let's try to do change under properties by right clicking
on .bmp file NO that doesn't work either change nothing comes up to

Right clicking does NOT present any ability to change to a different
application.

You are on the right track. Somewhere in the Registry I need to
change. But, remember. There is a potential that buried files in some
application may NEED tobe opened up using MS FAX and Video Player as
part of that document - may be an inbedded image. I don't know.

So, right now, all I need is a way to select opening the stupid file
with an alternative application, and WinXP won't even let me do THAT!!

Yes it will. It is done in XP just as it was done in Win98 (and
probably Win95)...

1. The easiest is Hagen's way but you may need to SHIFT right click. If
shift+right click doesn't get you an "open with..." menu choice then
your XP is screwed up.

2. Folder options via the control panel or maybe Windows Explorer too,
not on XP at the moment

a) file types tab
b) run down the list to appropriate file type (extension)
c) I don't recall from there, you may have to click "Advanced" select
the "Open" action and modify from there; IIRC, either requires you to
browse to where the rxe is that yiou want to use to open the file type
so locate it in advance.

 

[Robert Macy]

Robert Macy wrote:
I wish to open .bmp files using an MSpaint.exe version from Win98.
Historically, on another WinXP, I was able to cancel the link to open
with WinXP's version of MSpaint and then when I double clicked I could
select from a list inserting my Win98 version. But can't on this @#$@#
%^&#@ machine!
I deleted the relationship to MSpaint.exe version on the WinXP
machine. Then the icon came up blank as expected, but when I clicked
select 'open' instead of allowing a list WinXP went and opened
the .bmp with some MS FAX and Video Viewer [that I don't even use!!]
and forced a link from then on. I wouldn't have minded but I can't
even select an alternative to open the file with!
Now this MS FAX and Video viewer has taken over COMPLETELY! No way to
cancel the application associated with a .bmp file, because there is
NO alternative when trying to open the file. .bmp no longer even
appears on the files list in folder options - types, the .bmp is gone
from there!
When it was listed, I removed it but then when I clicked on the .bmp
file to open it up, instead of asking what application I want to open
the file with WinXP immediately has it opened by MS FAX and Video
Viewer. There is NO way to select from a list at all and if I say
'open' MS FAX and Video Viewer is opening it onlly!
change there, Earlier there was a list of edit, open, print which
makes me think it is possibly dangerous to completely remove the link
for WinXP to select whatever it wants for me to open it.
Which I could live with *IF* I could at least open the file with some
other application, which WinXP won't let me.
So HOW do I at least get a choice opening these .bmp files??
No where do you mention "open with".
If you don't have that for some odd reason, then change bmp
in the registry to open bmp's with what ever you want use.

I thought I mentioned it here:

Right clicking does NOT present any ability to change to a different
application.

You are on the right track. Somewhere in the Registry I need to
change. But, remember. There is a potential that buried files in some
application may NEED tobe opened up using MS FAX and Video Player as
part of that document - may be an inbedded image. I don't know.

So, right now, all I need is a way to select opening the stupid file
with an alternative application, and WinXP won't even let me do THAT!!!

Use another computer to open the file.
Or fix the registry context menu.
Or fix just that one item.  Your choice.
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileE­xts\.bmp\OpenWithList]
"a"="i_view32.exe"
"b"="MSPAINT.EXE"
"MRUList"="ba"

Thank you for your detailed response.

Obviously, not viable to use a different PC

How does one fix "...the registry context menu."?

That last sequence seems goodt. ...unless,by tying .bmp to ONLY
MSpaint, somehow the FAX/Video gets stomped on. In other words,
some .bmp inbedded in a fax that should be opened by the same app is
now suddenly being opened by a 'foreign' app. I'm not using FAX
features right now anyway and I'm using avidemux and sothink for
viewing stuff I may do this since it's more important for me to be
able to open the file and get on with my work right now.

 

[Robert Macy]

Robert Macy wrote, On 5/31/2013 8:50 AM:

So HOW do I at least get a choice opening these .bmp files??
Right click on the file.
Select: Open With from the pop-up menu.
Click: Choose [default] Program.
Select: Whatever program you want to use.
Check: Always use the selected program to open this kind of file.
Click OK.

That menu does NOT come up. Right click does NOT present any choice or
change whatsoever.

SHIFT right click

I didn't think of that! That's what I do on the Win98 and have never
had to do that on the WinXP - a simple right click has always made the
menu come up before. I'll try that!

 

[Robert Macy]

Robert Macy wrote, On 5/31/2013 8:54 AM:

Robert Macy wrote:
I wish to open .bmp files using an MSpaint.exe version from Win98.
Historically, on another WinXP, I was able to cancel the link to open
with WinXP's version of MSpaint and then when I double clicked I could
select from a list inserting my Win98 version. But can't on this @#$@#
%^&#@ machine!
I deleted the relationship to MSpaint.exe version on the WinXP
machine. Then the icon came up blank as expected, but when I clicked
select 'open' instead of allowing a list WinXP went and opened
the .bmp with some MS FAX and Video Viewer [that I don't even use!!]
and forced a link from then on. I wouldn't have minded but I can't
even select an alternative to open the file with!
Now this MS FAX and Video viewer has taken over COMPLETELY! No way to
cancel the application associated with a .bmp file, because there is
NO alternative when trying to open the file. .bmp no longer even
appears on the files list in folder options - types, the .bmp is gone
from there!
When it was listed, I removed it but then when I clicked on the .bmp
file to open it up, instead of asking what application I want to open
the file with WinXP immediately has it opened by MS FAX and Video
Viewer. There is NO way to select from a list at all and if I say
'open' MS FAX and Video Viewer is opening it onlly!
change there, Earlier there was a list of edit, open, print which
makes me think it is possibly dangerous to completely remove the link
for WinXP to select whatever it wants for me to open it.
Which I could live with *IF* I could at least open the file with some
other application, which WinXP won't let me.
So HOW do I at least get a choice opening these .bmp files??
No where do you mention "open with".
If you don't have that for some odd reason, then change bmp
in the registry to open bmp's with what ever you want use.

I thought I mentioned it here:

Right clicking does NOT present any ability to change to a different
application.

You are on the right track. Somewhere in the Registry I need to
change. But, remember. There is a potential that buried files in some
application may NEED tobe opened up using MS FAX and Video Player as
part of that document - may be an inbedded image. I don't know.

So, right now, all I need is a way to select opening the stupid file
with an alternative application, and WinXP won't even let me do THAT!!

Yes it will.  It is done in XP just as it was done in Win98 (and
probably Win95)...

1. The easiest is Hagen's way but you may need to SHIFT right click.  If
shift+right click doesn't get you an "open with..." menu choice then
your XP is screwed up.

2. Folder options via the control panel or maybe Windows Explorer too,
not on XP at the moment

        a) file types tab
        b) run down the list to appropriate file type (extension)
        c) I don't recall from there, you may have to click "Advanced" select
the "Open" action and modify from there; IIRC, either requires you to
browse to where the rxe is that yiou want to use to open the file type
so locate it in advance.

As I said from Windows Explorer, tools, Folder Options:
click on File Types to present list
....bmp no longer appears there

What about JJ's suggestion of adding a patch to the registry?

 

[Robert Macy]

Right clicking does NOT present any ability to change to a different
application.

You are on the right track. Somewhere in the Registry I need to
change. But, remember. There is a potential that buried files in some
application may NEED tobe opened up using MS FAX and Video Player as
part of that document - may be an inbedded image. I don't know.

So, right now, all I need is a way to select opening the stupid file
with an alternative application, and WinXP won't even let me do THAT!!!

Try re-registering the SHELL.DLL. But first, create a manual System Restore
point. Then open the Run dialog and enter below command line:

REGSVR32 C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\SHELL32.DLL

Try right clicking on a file to see if the "Open With..." menu shows up
again. If it's not, then you probably have a bad shell extension, cause only
they can remove right-click popup menu items.

As an alternative, save below text as a REG file (e.g.: "patch.reg") then
doubleclick it to apply it. It'll show a new popup menu item named "Open
With App..." that should open the lost "Open With" feature.

---------start of file. don't include this line----------
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shell\openwith]
@="Open With App..."

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shell\openwith\command]
@="rundll32.exe shell32.dll,OpenAs_RunDLL %1"

Thanks for the suggestions.

Don't know how to 'reregister a shell' nor how to place a 'manual
System Restore'

The latter should be in the help menu. I'll look for the former. I'll
give this a try first. I like the idea of somewhat returning the
system to its original and once I can get that original 'Open With'
back up on a menu I have a decent workaround.

 

[Paul in Houston TX]

Kelly's Corner is back up!! Yay!
Go here and look at lines 203 and 220 for starters:
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

 

[dadiOH]

Robert Macy wrote, On 6/1/2013 9:06 AM:

Robert Macy wrote, On 5/31/2013 8:54 AM:

Robert Macy wrote:
I wish to open .bmp files using an MSpaint.exe version from Win98.
Historically, on another WinXP, I was able to cancel the link to open
with WinXP's version of MSpaint and then when I double clicked I could
select from a list inserting my Win98 version. But can't on this @#$@#
%^&#@ machine!

I deleted the relationship to MSpaint.exe version on the WinXP
machine. Then the icon came up blank as expected, but when I clicked
select 'open' instead of allowing a list WinXP went and opened
the .bmp with some MS FAX and Video Viewer [that I don't even use!!]
and forced a link from then on. I wouldn't have minded but I can't
even select an alternative to open the file with!

Now this MS FAX and Video viewer has taken over COMPLETELY! No way to
cancel the application associated with a .bmp file, because there is
NO alternative when trying to open the file. .bmp no longer even
appears on the files list in folder options - types, the .bmp is gone
from there!

When it was listed, I removed it but then when I clicked on the .bmp
file to open it up, instead of asking what application I want to open
the file with WinXP immediately has it opened by MS FAX and Video
Viewer. There is NO way to select from a list at all and if I say
'open' MS FAX and Video Viewer is opening it onlly!

change there, Earlier there was a list of edit, open, print which
makes me think it is possibly dangerous to completely remove the link
for WinXP to select whatever it wants for me to open it.

Which I could live with *IF* I could at least open the file with some
other application, which WinXP won't let me.

So HOW do I at least get a choice opening these .bmp files??

No where do you mention "open with".
If you don't have that for some odd reason, then change bmp
in the registry to open bmp's with what ever you want use.

I thought I mentioned it here:
Ok, so let's try to do change under properties by right clicking
on .bmp file NO that doesn't work either change nothing comes up to

Right clicking does NOT present any ability to change to a different
application.

You are on the right track. Somewhere in the Registry I need to
change. But, remember. There is a potential that buried files in some
application may NEED tobe opened up using MS FAX and Video Player as
part of that document - may be an inbedded image. I don't know.

So, right now, all I need is a way to select opening the stupid file
with an alternative application, and WinXP won't even let me do THAT!!

Yes it will. It is done in XP just as it was done in Win98 (and
probably Win95)...

1. The easiest is Hagen's way but you may need to SHIFT right click. If
shift+right click doesn't get you an "open with..." menu choice then
your XP is screwed up.

2. Folder options via the control panel or maybe Windows Explorer too,
not on XP at the moment

a) file types tab
b) run down the list to appropriate file type (extension)
c) I don't recall from there, you may have to click "Advanced" select
the "Open" action and modify from there; IIRC, either requires you to
browse to where the rxe is that yiou want to use to open the file type
so locate it in advance.

As I said from Windows Explorer, tools, Folder Options:
click on File Types to present list
...bmp no longer appears there

Did you also look for "bitmap"? If so and if neither exist then make a
new one (new file type for ".bmp").

 

[Robert Macy]

Robert Macy wrote, On 6/1/2013 9:06 AM:

Robert Macy wrote, On 5/31/2013 8:54 AM:
Robert Macy wrote:
I wish to open .bmp files using an MSpaint.exe version from Win98.
Historically, on another WinXP, I was able to cancel the link to open
with WinXP's version of MSpaint and then when I double clicked I could
select from a list inserting my Win98 version. But can't on this @#$@#
%^&#@ machine!
I deleted the relationship to MSpaint.exe version on the WinXP
machine. Then the icon came up blank as expected, but when I clicked
select 'open' instead of allowing a list WinXP went and opened
the .bmp with some MS FAX and Video Viewer [that I don't even use!!]
and forced a link from then on. I wouldn't have minded but I can't
even select an alternative to open the file with!
Now this MS FAX and Video viewer has taken over COMPLETELY! No way to
cancel the application associated with a .bmp file, because there is
NO alternative when trying to open the file. .bmp no longer even
appears on the files list in folder options - types, the .bmp is gone
from there!
When it was listed, I removed it but then when I clicked on the .bmp
file to open it up, instead of asking what application I want to open
the file with WinXP immediately has it opened by MS FAX and Video
Viewer. There is NO way to select from a list at all and if I say
'open' MS FAX and Video Viewer is opening it onlly!
change there, Earlier there was a list of edit, open, print which
makes me think it is possibly dangerous to completely remove the link
for WinXP to select whatever it wants for me to open it.
Which I could live with *IF* I could at least open the file with some
other application, which WinXP won't let me.
So HOW do I at least get a choice opening these .bmp files??
No where do you mention "open with".
If you don't have that for some odd reason, then change bmp
in the registry to open bmp's with what ever you want use.
I thought I mentioned it here:
Ok, so let's try to do change  under properties by right clicking
on .bmp file NO that doesn't work either change nothing comes up to
Right clicking does NOT present any ability to change to a different
application.
You are on the right track. Somewhere in the Registry I need to
change. But, remember. There is a potential that buried files in some
application may NEED tobe opened up using MS FAX and Video Player as
part of that document - may be an inbedded image. I don't know.
So, right now, all I need is a way to select opening the stupid file
with an alternative application, and WinXP won't even let me do THAT!!
Yes it will.  It is done in XP just as it was done in Win98 (and
probably Win95)...
1. The easiest is Hagen's way but you may need to SHIFT right click.  If
shift+right click doesn't get you an "open with..." menu choice then
your XP is screwed up.
2. Folder options via the control panel or maybe Windows Explorer too,
not on XP at the moment
         a) file types tab
         b) run down the list to appropriate file type (extension)
         c) I don't recall from there, you may have to click"Advanced" select
the "Open" action and modify from there; IIRC, either requires you to
browse to where the rxe is that yiou want to use to open the file type
so locate it in advance.

As I said from Windows Explorer, tools, Folder Options:
click on File Types to present list
...bmp no longer appears there

Did you also look for "bitmap"?  If so and if neither exist then make a
new one (new file type for ".bmp").

yes, and want to keep .bmp for obvious reasons. meaning SAVE creates
that form

 

[Robert Macy]

Robert Macy wrote, On 5/31/2013 8:50 AM:

So HOW do I at least get a choice opening these .bmp files??
Right click on the file.
Select: Open With from the pop-up menu.
Click: Choose [default] Program.
Select: Whatever program you want to use.
Check: Always use the selected program to open this kind of file.
Click OK.

That menu does NOT come up. Right click does NOT present any choice or
change whatsoever.

SHIFT right click

thank you thank you thank you!!

never thought of duplicating what I do on Win98. But, just tried and
not only got the open with on a menu, but got the ability to ALWAYS
open with option, clicked it and opened with the old MSpaint, and
after that, every time I click to open it comes up using the old
MSpaint version.

You solved it!

Don't know why .bmp completely disappeared from the file types menu,
nor why suddenly couldn't do a right click open with selection, but
indeed SHIFT right click did EVERYTHING!

 

[Robert Macy]

Kelly's Corner is back up!!  Yay!
Go here and look at lines 203 and 220 for starters:http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

Thanks for the URL

saved those two, but you can see the SHIFT right click totally solved
my problem, but again, thank you for valuable URL.