Member Avatar for mikenmike0001

I was trying to open a file, that I didn't know which application would open at the time, it had me select from a list of programs, I thought it was a serial key that I could view in notepad. It turned out that it wasn't and it was supposed to be one of those files that you just double click and it gets installed in the registry. Now, I can't figure out how to reset it, and all of my files associated with this file extension points to the same application, which is the wrong one, and I don't know how to clear it's memory to reformat how it views this extension. Can someone help?

[/IMG]

  • 2 Contributors
  • 2 Replies
  • 127 Views
  • 2 Days Discussion Span
  • Latest Post Latest Post by mikenmike0001

Dani AI

Generated

A few safe ways to undo a mistaken "always use this program" choice in Windows 2000 / XP and restore the prompt so you can pick the correct application.

The GUI method (safe for most users)
Open Windows Explorer, choose Tools -> Folder Options -> File Types. Find the extension in the list, then use Change or Delete (Remove) to clear the current default. The Advanced/Edit button lets you remove or edit the specific action assigned to double‑click. Do not delete associations for system extensions such as .exe, .com or .lnk. After changing, log off or restart Explorer for the change to take effect.

Command-line method (quick)
Open a command prompt with administrative rights and use the assoc/ftype commands to inspect and clear associations. Example (replace .ext and FileTypeName with the real names):

assoc .ext
assoc .ext=
ftype FileTypeName
ftype FileTypeName=

The first assoc shows the mapping; the second removes it. ftype shows/clears the command string. A reboot or Explorer restart is usually required.

Registry (advanced; backup first)
Export the relevant keys before editing. Look for the extension and its file type under:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT.ext
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\<FileTypeName>\shell\open\command
and the per-user data under:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExts.ext

Removing the per-user entry or the default pointer will force Windows to treat the extension as unassociated. Create a restore point or export the keys before deleting.

Notes and troubleshooting
A Shift+right‑click on a file gives a temporary "Open with..." chooser without changing defaults. If uncomfortable editing the registry, use a small GUI editor such as NirSoft's FileTypesMan to review and change associations. As hinted, this is a file-association issue; the above will let clear the wrong default and restore the prompt.

Recommended Answers

All 2 Replies

Member Avatar for FC Jamison

This type of file opens with C:\WINDOWS\regedit.exe

Member Avatar for mikenmike0001

Hey thanks I'll try that later

Be a part of the DaniWeb community

We're a friendly, industry-focused community of developers, IT pros, digital marketers, and technology enthusiasts meeting, networking, learning, and sharing knowledge.