damned file associations

[rh71]

Why don't they always work the way they should ? I go to file types and associate them to a specific program and still they either:

1) run off the same old program, or a newer assignment (installed something after) that's NOT the one I just assigned it

2) have the wrong damn icon even after being associated with a program that actually opens it.

I can't believe MS would overlook such an issue and it can't just be me... this is XP.

 

[MrScott81]

sometimes the applications steal file associations back without asking.

 

[Shivatron]

This is why the old Macintosh way of file associations was cool -- type AND creator codes. That way, different files of the same type could be opened in the application that created them.

 

[rh71]

for example, I made sure "SET PROGRAM ACCESS AND DEFAULTS" is allowing me to use my own media player (as opposed to WMP)... my own media player is Media Player Classic. I set the association of AVI/MPG to MPC and it still opens them in WMP9. For JPG, it opens them in XP's default Fax and Image viewer whereas I have ACDSee for that (even the icon is ACDSee)... and have told it to override in multiple places (this worked on a previous install, but apparently not any longer). I find it to be "whatever Windows feels like doing"... and having to Open With... is time consuming.

 

[nakedfrog]

Yeah, I've experienced the same thing before. It sure does suck.

 

[tikwanleap]

yeah, same probs here on xp. Would like to know how to set them without any guesswork.

 

[GTaudiophile]

Betcha there is something in msconfig or the registry that lets you set all that manually.

 

[rh71]

Originally posted by: GTaudiophile
Betcha there is something in msconfig or the registry that lets you set all that manually.

I'll settle for a registry cleaner so I can re-do them...

BTW, I did run norton windoctor for the registry already.

 

[tallest1]

My XP is uber persistant at associating .avi's to Windows Media Player. I have every other format, even .wmv, associated to a different program but XP won't let that one go :|

 

[FoBoT]

MS should do away with them

 

[DrPizza]

Isn't there something in WMP under preferences or options that says to reassociate certain types with it automatically, if the association was changed?

 

[xyion]

right click on the file -> open with.

select "Choose Program"

check "always use this program to open"

works for me on XP.