File type references changed

During my first time saving files in WordPerfect 12 (Corel) to *.PDF and *.HTML, I was given a window asking about file types. Somewhere in the process, I must have chosen an image file, rather than a word processing file type. Now, all my word processing files are designated as image (*.bmp or CorelDraw) files.
This means that double clicking on the file name opens CorelDraw instead of WP and that the file does not appear. An error message does appear, but forgot which one. Other file types appear to be listed correctly and open without error message.
How can I change this file designation? Is it in W98SE or in Corel WP? I have searched for hours for that window without success. The process to initiate the saving of the first *.PDF file was long but not too arduous. I can not remember all the steps.
Since it involves a software program and th OS file system, I am asking on thsi BBS.
Any advice on this one?

 

Hi Goaglen, As I see it, you have 2 choices :
- a laborious search/amend of the Windows registry
- an uninstall/reinstall of the Corel application to the original location
on your hard drive - you should not lose any of your own data files,
regards

 

Thank you, Merlin. Your replies are rapid as lightning this morning.
Both issues are part of the same problem with WP12. I was starting to reinstalled the program when the C:\Windows\TEMP folder issue arose. Will take advice and delete all. I seem to remember doing this before, but, having once deleted some important *.dll files by msitake, I always recheck my process for errors.

 

Goaglen--Just double checking. Do you mean that when you click File|Save As from a WP document you are not offered a choice of file types in which to save? There should be a line "Save as type" with a little down arrow at the right. The down arrow should display your choices. If, indeed you accidentally designated an image file type one time, that line may just automatically open to the image file type. But you should be able to change with the little down arrow.

 

Thank you both for answering. Wilsheim, the choice at point of save is clear for WP files and others. Unfortunately, saving while in program is not problem Opening from an email of downloaded files IS. The file type shows to be a CorelDraw file, not the type emailed or downloaded. Some reference library was altered during the long process of creating and publishing a *.pdf or *.htm file for the first time from WP12.

This process seemed to have affected the incoming file type recognition. I have gone through the tools menus, file saving menus, and a few others without success.

Merlin, you mentioned a drawn out process of registry changes. For this type of file, not all CorelDraw files, which keys would be in charge? Where would I go? I actually like to do combersome and tedious work with details and have enjoyed registry work.

Tom

 

Have you tried a restart to dos prompt scanreg /restore to restore an older backed up registry that predates your file association problem?

 

Goaglen --Hope goddez1's idea helps, because I am confused.
Your second post says the problem is with files received as email attachments. I am not familiar with files changing their file type when they are emailed.
Is it emailed files with which you having the problem? Or files you create in WordPerfect?
And perhaps most importantly, is it the Saving or Opening of files that is causing you the problem?

 

Goaglen, Create a new file with Word Perfect and save it somewhere.
In Windows Explorer right click this file and select Properties.
Note the File Extension suffix (like .wpf or whatever - I do not have
Word Perfect so I do not know the precise suffix).
You now have to find a registry editor (careful !) that will show you which
program is called when you double-click such a file - ie activate the Shell :Open" command.
I suggest WAssociate which is a free download you can search for on the net. It takes a bit of getting used to, but in the "Shell" registry key for the .wpf the Open option needs to be changed to the Folder/Word Perfect program instead of a Coral program.
Another program that is easier to use - search for "Context Edit Ziff Davis "
regards
PS As Ann says, there is nothing to beat being able to get back to system
files that were good before the problem was caused - backup, backup ...

 

Bless you all.
goddez1, I fear the problem started so long ago, when I loaded WP12, that going back would annul programs installed since. I do not know enough about this feature and its effects. Had I thought about that option soon enough, I could do that, and still can. Just don't know total effects of that change.
Welshjim, saving and opening files from software program not a problem, unless WP12 is not working properly that day. One weakness is that it, sometimes, does not accept saving into MS format from the normal WP format. All other features work fine, including publishing to pdf and html. The problem is file type ID on incoming files, which dictates that they be recognized as a *.cdr file, no matter how it was sent. Thus, a *.doc, *.txt, or other file will only be opened in CorelDraw program.
If I save the incoming files, I have the option of opening them from the proper software later. This is an inconvenience, but not a critical problem, save that I forget to open them later.
Merlin, I will try the WAssociate or Context Edit ZD. And I do back up regularly as well as take images and do maintenance weekly. Not fluent enough in MS speak to choose a former encarnation without fear and trembling.
Incoming files are associated with CorelDraw default graphic type. Seems as though some registry work is calling.


Tom

 

There may be a simple way to fix this. Find your word processing files in Windows Explorer. Hold down the Shift key and right click on one of your files, select the option 'Open With' in the menu that will appear.
In the Open With window, select your WordPerfect program, and put a checkmark in the box for 'Always use this program to open this type of file'.

 

markp62--I guess Goaglen has nothing to lose by trying this. But if I understand the problem, all of his Word Perfect files actually have the file type extension of .bmp and/or CorelDraw. So your idea may solve the opening of the WordPerfect file, but now all legitimate .bmp files may also open in WordPerfect!
Goaglen--The solution to your problem logically is to change the file type of those WordPerfect files to whatever WP's file type is.
Can you open WordPerfect and then have it open (File|Open) these files? I am sure you could then SaveAs in the WordPerfect file type.
Or what about just right clicking on one of these files|Rename and changing the file type to WP's file type? Do not worry bout the warning you will probably get (you can always rename back if needed.) Now is that fille viewable in WP.
P.S I understand that up to now you cannot view these files at all. Have you tried WordPad or NotePad (File|Open)? If that works you could copy and paste into WP and save as a WP file type.

 

Yes, MarkP32, the file opening designation is fixed by some higher authority in the system. I can work that solution with the backup files, just not with the main files.
Welshjim, you are right. The suffix is *.cdr on all downloaded files except *.pdf, *.wpd (WP12), graphics files (most extensions), *.htm. Trouble seems to be with *.doc, or Word files and other text files, not WP.
I can open the *.doc files from WP all right, then save them properly. I DO have access, just not an immediate double click from the email, which opens the file sin CorelDraw as an image.
Will try Merlin's suggestion when I have an hour or two.
Thanks all. I really appreciate the help.

Tom