 Protect File Associations |
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Q: Installing and uninstalling applications plays havoc with my file associations. For instance, when I double-click a .jpg file, I get the last program I installed that thinks it's the right tool for the job, not the program I want to use. Can I prevent programs from changing that association? Abdel Guettatfi A: Most installation routines assume that their program is the only one on your computer. The best way to protect your file associations is to back up the ones that you want to protect. This involves entering the Registry. Here's the proper backup procedure: Select StartòRun, type regedit, and press <Enter>. Navigating the left pane as if it were Windows Explorer, go to the folder beneath My Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes for the file extension you want to protect-for instance, My Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\.jpg. With that folder open, select RegistryòExport Registry File. Give the file a name (jpg) and save it (see FIGURE 2). This won't back up the entire Registry-just the part with the .jpg association. Now, should any newly installed program decide that it's the one in which you want to edit your .jpg files, simply find the file you saved (jpg.reg) and double-click it.
-Lincoln Spector |
Category:Windows 9x Issue: September 2000 |
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