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Windows 7 forum: Windows 7 default programs

by: Byff70 December 4, 2012 3:27 PM PST

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Windows 7 default programs

by Byff70 - 12/4/12 3:27 PM

Assigning a default program for a file type is pretty straightforward in Windows 7. That's kinda my problem. In previous days, say under XP Pro, I had a number of options available for each file type: open, edit, etc.

The problem I now have is that I'm limited in my choices, making for an inconvenient user experience. With PNG graphics files, I like to _open_ them for viewing in Internet Explorer, since it's lightweight and fast, but I like to _edit_ them with Macromedia FireWorks. Unfortunately, Windows 7 only appears to have one setting, "open," so I can't select specific programs for specific actions.

Is there a way to do this in Windows 7? A hack, or a tool, perhaps, if the operating system doesn't natively support it? Thanks in advance.

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Same as in XP.

by R. Proffitt Moderator - 12/4/12 4:27 PM

In Reply to: Windows 7 default programs by Byff70

You can add actions for edit, open and such. Nothing changed here and XP didn't provide a tool to setup edit or open choices.

So no, there is no native tool for this and yes, the OS supports it. I see there are plenty of open discussions about this one so I'll stop here.
Bob


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OK, so how?

by Byff70 - 12/4/12 7:34 PM

In Reply to: Same as in XP. by R. Proffitt Moderator

Thanks, but this doesn't really answer my question. The method is quite definitely not the same as in XP, wherein I'd use the Folder and Search options. Seems to me I remember there being a "File Types" tab on the Folder and Search options dialog, which is most definitely NOT there in Windows 7. The File Types tab does indeed allow you to select specific programs for different actions. Since you say this option exists in Windows 7, and I can clearly see that it is not part of the Folder options, how *exactly* do I get to that point in Win 7?


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Too many open discussions.

by R. Proffitt Moderator - 12/4/12 8:54 PM

In Reply to: OK, so how? by Byff70

https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&as_q=how+to+add+edit+right+click+menu+windows+7

As this area is well discussed I don't want to upset you but please see how others tackle this. Each person seems to want it done their way so look at the wealth of information and pick the way you like.
Bob


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I think we're talking at cross purposes.

by Byff70 - 12/4/12 11:53 PM

In Reply to: Too many open discussions. by R. Proffitt Moderator

I understand the use of the right-click context menu.

I was asking about how to set a default action.

Thanks anyway, guys.


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There are open discussions on that too.

by R. Proffitt Moderator - 12/5/12 1:44 PM

In Reply to: I think we're talking at cross purposes. by Byff70

http://icrontic.com/discussion/85241/windows-7-help-change-the-default-double-click-action for example.

That setting is not exposed in tools that come with 7. I rarely change that so I use the registry edit method noted today. I bet that someone has a tool to make it easier.
Bob


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Cool, thanks.

by Byff70 - 12/6/12 8:30 AM

In Reply to: There are open discussions on that too. by R. Proffitt Moderator

That's what I'm looking for. Looks like it's a Registry hack indeed. Thanks!


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Can I ask?

by R. Proffitt Moderator - 12/6/12 8:33 AM

In Reply to: Cool, thanks. by Byff70

Why is this considered a hack when it's just a setting?

I can't answer why Microsoft didn't expose it in a Control Panel App but the control is there. To find it you look around the net or get on board with a MSDN account. (Yikes!)
Bob


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