viewing file extensions and associations

[Brad Sayers]

I have a problem with viewing file extensions/associations. I am running XP
with the latest Service pack.



The problem is as follows: In explorer, when I go to folder options, "file
types" tab, the computer just hangs (a slight hesitation is normal). After
a good 5 minutes there will appear about 15 entries that populate the
window - they are mostly Microsoft apps. There should be several dozen
listing all extensions. Also on this tab, the advanced button does not
work. Rather than reading "advanced", it looks like this |||||||||. When I
click on it nothing happens. Also, no other program will open after this
due to out of memory errors after clicking on the file types tab and I need
to reboot.



The related problem is that all my MS Word .doc files have the MS WordPad
icon for its extension instead of the blue W and I am unable to change this
due to the above problem.



I ran ms office repair from the CD but that did not fix anything. I ran a
regclean and that made no changes. The problem is in the registry but I do
not know how to fix it.



I have searched numerous places online but have not found any related
problem like this out there so any help would be appreciated.



TIA, Brad

 

[Ron Sommer]

Open Windows Explorer, right click on a file, Open With, Choose Program,
........, check Always use this program.

 

[Brad Sayers]

HI Ron,

I am able to open .doc with MS Word with no problem.

The problem is the associated icon for .doc - it is the one for wordpad not
the regular one for Word. How do I fix that?

Also, the fact that there is serious hanging problem when opening the "file
types" tab - and then only about a quarter of my applications populate (most
do not appear). Thanks, Brad

 

[Ron Sommer]

My thoughts are there are two possibilities:
corruption of the Registry - System Restore might fix it.
corruption of the system files that display the file associations - Repair
install of XP
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

 

[Brad Sayers]

Hey Ron, thanks for the link. I printed it off and read it.

I am not sure if I want to go this route (repair) at this time - seems like
overkill.

Everything is running fine and I don't want to risk scenario where I would
be creating more work for myself if something went wrong. I believe you're
correct about the registry being corrupt, but it's only an icon....I should
be able to live with it. Thanks again, Brad