XP file associations

I have just discovered that I can't read .ics files. A check shows that the handler for .ics is missing. I tried to re-create it, but the progams offered did not seem to include any sort of document reader. How can I fix this?

I am happy to edit the registry if required.

Any assistance is welcome, thanks.

 

Thanks Tony. However, I still need instruction as to what to do when I set up a new (i.e. a .ics ) filetype. If I choose 'advanced' a very long list appears, and I have no idea which (if any) I should select. Incidentally, I have Outlook but I don't know how to use it in this situation. Obviously, clicking on a .ics file has to perform some action but I don't know what.

 

The .ics file appears as an attachment to an email from a podiatrist, making an appointment that requires the completion of a form. Previously. when it all worked, selecting open for the attachment displayed a form in which boxes had to be ticked, with a submit button at the bottom, which automatically sent the completed form to the podiatrist. I have no idea what system she is using to produce these emails.

 

Yes, MS Outlook is installed. I didn't find the Google options very helpful. My system is pretty ancient,which is part of the problem.
The attachment 'ics file in the email is, in effect, an invitation to an 'event', but the extra is that it seems to sen a reply automatically when I complete the form.

As I am expecting imminently a new PC with fully-installed, all-singing, all-dancing Windows 10, I think i should now wait to see if that solves the problem - I will report results in due course.

Thank you Steve.

 

Thank you Steve for your concern. Unfortunately I deleted the email with that file, so I can't follow your suggestion, even tho' I would love to.
Thanks anyway.

 

Hello again Steve - I discovered the .ics file after all. First, there is no 'open with ' context list, and second, if I choose the 'select a program' option, then Outlook does not appear as one of those options.

 

Sorry, no dice. Shift-rightclick produces the same as just the rightclick, i.e., no 'open with' menu, only 'open'. In any case, if there were 'open with' I guess it would simply produce the same list of programs, none of which are appropriate.