Permission to change file associations for a limited user

[chocolatemint77581]

Is there a way for an admin to let a limited user change what program
is used to open an application?

Or set up those file associations for the limited user?

Thanks.

 

[Andrew McLaren]

Is there a way for an admin to let a limited user change what program
is used to open an application?
Or set up those file associations for the limited user?

A non-admin user can change the associated app for a specific file
extension, this way:

- in Explorer, highlight any matching data file; eg "somedoc.doc" for *.DOC;
- right-click the file and select Properties;
- on the Properties panel, next to the "Open With" field, click the
Change button;
- select the application they want to open files with that extension;
- click OK, and close the Properties panel.
- double-click the data file;
- observe that it is now opened with the selected application.

This change will apply to all the user's files which have that same
extenion.

The changed application association is registered under this key:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExts

Because the change is under HKCU, no other users are affected.

If you need to automate the procedure for a large number of users and/or
machines, do the first user manually and examine the registry changes.
Then use the REG command in a login script or batch file to make the
same changes for all the other users.

In theory, you could also create an entry under
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes

However I don't know of any commands or tools to do this, you'd need to
hack it manually.

Hope it helps,

Andrew

 

[Mint]

A non-admin user can change the associated app for a specific file
extension, this way:

- in Explorer, highlight any matching data file; eg "somedoc.doc" for *.DOC;
- right-click the file and select Properties;
- on the Properties panel, next to the "Open With" field, click the
Change button;
- select the application they want to open files with that extension;
- click OK, and close the Properties panel.
- double-click the data file;
- observe that it is now opened with the selected application.

This change will apply to all the user's files which have that same
extenion.

The changed application association is registered under this key:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExts

Because the change is under HKCU, no other users are affected.

If you need to automate the procedure for a large number of users and/or
machines, do the first user manually and examine the registry changes.
Then use the REG command in a login script or batch file to make the
same changes for all the other users.

In theory, you could also create an entry under
      HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes

However I don't know of any commands or tools to do this, you'd need to
hack it manually.

Hope it helps,

Andrew

Thanks.

I am tweaking a limited user account for my needs instead of using an
admin account.

Andy

 

[Andrew McLaren]

I am tweaking a limited user account for my needs instead of using an
admin account.

Good idea ... I approve! (It's what I do, too).

 

[Mint]

Good idea ... I approve! (It's what I do, too).

I have also been disabling my Ethernet connection whenever I am not
online for added security.

I haven't given up yet in looking for an easier way than going to an
"admin prompt" and running a batch file that uses devcon to turn off
the connection.

Take care,
Andy

 

[Mint]

Good idea ... I approve! (It's what I do, too).

I just figured an easier way to turn off my Ethernet connection.

I made this shortcut.

%windir%\devcon.exe disable =net PCI\VEN_10B7*

Andy