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Open File With...

Discussion in 'Windows XP' started by Nason, 2006/12/26.

  1. 2006/12/26
    Nason

    Nason Inactive Thread Starter

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    Hey guys, I have a problem on my laptop's Win XP operating system. Everytime I log into Windows now, it loads fine. But now, when I click on a file either on my desktop or elsewhere, it opens up a box saying... Open File With... and it gives me options to open the file with different programs. I went into my Control Panel to rectify the problem by trying to adjust it, but I cannot do it. I tried to do System Restore, but it wont allow me to do that either. I just re-installed windows into my laptop, and so I still need to activate it, but it will not allow me to do that either. I was thinking of one last thing, by going into Windows in Safe Mode, and fixing it there. But I am also open to other suggestions. Can anyone please help me out!? Thanks!

    Nason
     
  2. 2006/12/26
    Bill Castner

    Bill Castner Inactive

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    Safe Mode will not help either.

    You have lost all of your file association entries. Did you connect this newly installed machine to the internet without a firewall and an active antivirus application installed?

    I would reinstall again, clean.

    But Doug Knox can restore your missing associations if you want to battle this. Start with .REG, but you clearly need .EXE, .MSC and likely others as well: http://www.dougknox.com/xp/file_assoc.htm
     

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  4. 2006/12/26
    Nason

    Nason Inactive Thread Starter

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    where do i put these files when i upload them to my laptop? What directory?
     
  5. 2006/12/26
    surferdude2

    surferdude2 Inactive

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    You can download them to your Desktop if you like. Then unzip each one to it own folder and double click on the Reg file it contains. Affirm the action and allow it to write to your Registry.

    However, I would like to repeat Bill's advice, you would be way ahead of the game if you did another clean install. Think malware or virus possibilities. Your choice though and good luck to you.

    BTW, if your .zip association is fractured, you'll need to do this somewhat differently since you'll not be able to open the downloads.

    PS. If you have lost the file association for .reg files, I'm thinking you have an easy decision. :)
     
    Last edited: 2006/12/26
  6. 2006/12/27
    Nason

    Nason Inactive Thread Starter

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    Aww ****... I have never done a complete reinstall before without the help of tech support, and right now that has been expired. Can anyone direct me to a link that will get me on the path on doing what I need to do to do a complete reinstall? I just wanna say that you guys have been EXTREMELY helpful in this. And I thank you guys a ton!
     
  7. 2006/12/27
    Bill Castner

    Bill Castner Inactive

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    The Doug Knox .REG fix does not require .REG files.
    The .ZIP registration fix does not require .ZIP
    The .EXE does not require .EXE, .etc.

    That Doug Knox is a smart guy.

    I agree some sequencing on your part may be needed.


    For a reinstall, I like the Michael Stevens site: http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html

    Though a Google would provide you more than you could ever care to read. Search: reinstall xp
     
  8. 2006/12/27
    Nason

    Nason Inactive Thread Starter

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    What do you mean by sequencing? I have never heard that term used before. And if I go to the Doug Knox site, will I have to download all of the files there, or do I only need to do some of them?
     
  9. 2006/12/27
    Bill Castner

    Bill Castner Inactive

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    In the case of missing associations, one would need, for example:

    . To fix .ZIP associations before you repair another association fix contained in a .ZIP file;

    . To fix .EXE associations before using a fix contained in an .EXE file.

    . .etc....

    That is all I meant by sequencing.

    There would be no harm in downloading, and using, them all.

    You most certainly need a fix for .MSC files, as your Control Panel, Add/Remove showed.
     
  10. 2006/12/27
    Nason

    Nason Inactive Thread Starter

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    Great! So I am going to try to do these things first before I do the complete reinstall of Windows. i kind of want to do that as a last resort deal, because I have been told that reinstalling and uninstalling isn't all that great for your harddrive, but hey, what do I know!? lol Thank again.
     
  11. 2006/12/27
    Bill Castner

    Bill Castner Inactive

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    Reinstalling has no effect on the longevity of your hard drive.
    None.
     
    Last edited: 2006/12/27
  12. 2006/12/27
    Nason

    Nason Inactive Thread Starter

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    Oh, okay then, sweet!
     

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