"Always use the selected program to open this kind of file"

When I use "Open With", either because I've right-clicked or because the
'type has nothing associated with it (and have chosen "Select ... from a
list" rather than "Use the web service ..."), the "Always use the
selected program ..." box is always ticked.

The result is that if I _try_ an application to _see_ if it'll open the
file, and forget to untick the box, that application is then associated
with that filetype, even if it doesn't succeed (which it usually
doesn't).

(Is there any _easy_ way to undo such an association - ideally such that
_no_ association exists? By easy, I mean ideally not involving the
registry; I'm not afraid of regedit, but it _is_ tedious when there are
simpler ways.)

Is there a way - and this time, I'm quite happy to regedit, if it only
needs doing once - to make the "Always use ..." box UNticked by default?

(Someone told me how for Windows 7, but not only have I forgotten [and
don't know if that way would work for XP anyway], but also, it has
stopped the Open With window - or one of those leading to it - from
popping up at all, which I don't want.)
--
J. P. Gilliver. UMRA: 1960/1985 MB++G()AL-IS-Ch++(p)Ar@T+H+Sh0!:`)DNAf

Grief generates a huge energy in you and it's better for everybody if you
harness it to do something. - Judi Dench, RT 2015/2/28-3/6

On Sat, 6 May 2017 12:07:05 +0100, "J. P. Gilliver (John)"
wrote:

When I use "Open With", either because I've right-clicked or because the
'type has nothing associated with it (and have chosen "Select ... from a
list" rather than "Use the web service ..."), the "Always use the
selected program ..." box is always ticked.

The result is that if I _try_ an application to _see_ if it'll open the
file, and forget to untick the box, that application is then associated
with that filetype, even if it doesn't succeed (which it usually
doesn't).

(Is there any _easy_ way to undo such an association - ideally such that
_no_ association exists? By easy, I mean ideally not involving the
registry; I'm not afraid of regedit, but it _is_ tedious when there are
simpler ways.)

Is there a way - and this time, I'm quite happy to regedit, if it only
needs doing once - to make the "Always use ..." box UNticked by default?

(Someone told me how for Windows 7, but not only have I forgotten [and
don't know if that way would work for XP anyway], but also, it has
stopped the Open With window - or one of those leading to it - from
popping up at all, which I don't want.)

In file explorer, go to tools/options/file types, scroll down to the
one you want, select it and you can change the association.

"J. P. Gilliver (John)" wrote:

When I use "Open With", either because I've right-clicked or because the
'type has nothing associated with it (and have chosen "Select ... from a
list" rather than "Use the web service ..."), the "Always use the
selected program ..." box is always ticked.

The result is that if I _try_ an application to _see_ if it'll open the
file, and forget to untick the box, that application is then associated
with that filetype, even if it doesn't succeed (which it usually
doesn't).

(Is there any _easy_ way to undo such an association - ideally such that
_no_ association exists? By easy, I mean ideally not involving the
registry; I'm not afraid of regedit, but it _is_ tedious when there are
simpler ways.)

Is there a way - and this time, I'm quite happy to regedit, if it only
needs doing once - to make the "Always use ..." box UNticked by default?

(Someone told me how for Windows 7, but not only have I forgotten [and
don't know if that way would work for XP anyway], but also, it has
stopped the Open With window - or one of those leading to it - from
popping up at all, which I don't want.)

The only way to assign a handler to a filetype is if the file has an
extension. No extension means that option will be grayed out. You can
use Windows Explorer to assign filetype associations:

Explorer: View - Folder Options - File Types tab

There is a Delete button you can use to remove an assocation (of handler
to the filetype). Note that the "remember" checkbox that you selected
is only relative to the 'open' action on that filetype. Other actions
can be assigned to a filetype. In the registry, you might find an
extension key under which the shell actions could be open, print, etc.
Those actions are not listed in the registry under a key name ".ext" but
under the name for that filetype. For example, the .txt filetype is
named textfile and found under HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\textfile under which
any actions defined are under the shell subkey.

Using the GUI above, you can look under a filetype association to see
what actions are defined. See:

http://www.informit.com/articles/art...15193&seqNum=2

You can add, edit, or modify the action(s) assigned to a filetype
association. I usually just do it in the registry. Some actions are
pre-defined in Windows. Some are changed or added when you install
software.

You can run the 'assoc' command in a command shell to remove an
association. To remove an assocation from a filetype (aka extension),
do not specify anything (no handler ID) after the equals sign, as in:

assoc .ext=

(no spaces before or after the equals sign)

Running 'assoc' (no arguments) lists all current filetype associations.
You'll notice the handlers are referenced by a name, not a program file.

assoc /? Shows help.
assoc Shows help.
assoc .ext Shows current handler for that extension.
assoc .ext=handler Assigns a handler to that extension.
assoc .ext= Removes any existing association (handler).

In message ,
writes:
On Sat, 6 May 2017 12:07:05 +0100, "J. P. Gilliver (John)"
wrote:

When I use "Open With", either because I've right-clicked or because the
'type has nothing associated with it (and have chosen "Select ... from a
list" rather than "Use the web service ..."), the "Always use the
selected program ..." box is always ticked.

The result is that if I _try_ an application to _see_ if it'll open the
file, and forget to untick the box, that application is then associated
with that filetype, even if it doesn't succeed (which it usually
doesn't).

(Is there any _easy_ way to undo such an association - ideally such that
_no_ association exists? By easy, I mean ideally not involving the
registry; I'm not afraid of regedit, but it _is_ tedious when there are
simpler ways.)

Is there a way - and this time, I'm quite happy to regedit, if it only
needs doing once - to make the "Always use ..." box UNticked by default?

(Someone told me how for Windows 7, but not only have I forgotten [and
don't know if that way would work for XP anyway], but also, it has
stopped the Open With window - or one of those leading to it - from
popping up at all, which I don't want.)

In file explorer, go to tools/options/file types, scroll down to the
one you want, select it and you can change the association.

Thanks. (I think that's W7 as you refer to "file explorer".) That sounds
as if I can use it to change (and possibly delete all?) associations.

What I still don't know (XP or 7) is how to change the "Always use ..."
checkbox's default, so that the default is _not_ ticked.
--
J. P. Gilliver. UMRA: 1960/1985 MB++G()AL-IS-Ch++(p)Ar@T+H+Sh0!:`)DNAf

"I am entitled to my own opinion."
"Yes, but it's your constant assumption that everyone else is also that's so
annoying." - Vila & Avon

In message , VanguardLH
writes:
"J. P. Gilliver (John)" wrote:

When I use "Open With", either because I've right-clicked or because the
'type has nothing associated with it (and have chosen "Select ... from a
list" rather than "Use the web service ..."), the "Always use the
selected program ..." box is always ticked.

The result is that if I _try_ an application to _see_ if it'll open the
file, and forget to untick the box, that application is then associated
with that filetype, even if it doesn't succeed (which it usually
doesn't).
[]
Is there a way - and this time, I'm quite happy to regedit, if it only
needs doing once - to make the "Always use ..." box UNticked by default?
[]
The only way to assign a handler to a filetype is if the file has an
extension. No extension means that option will be grayed out. You can
use Windows Explorer to assign filetype associations:

Explorer: View - Folder Options - File Types tab

There is a Delete button you can use to remove an assocation (of handler
[much useful stuff deleted]

I *knew* when I typed it that I shouldn't have asked for two things in
one post, because everyone would get hung up on one of them, and totally
ignore the other one.

In this case, "how do I change/delete associations" was the _minor_
question; I'd hoped putting it in brackets would suffice, but no luck.

The _main_ question was/is: "How do I change the _default_ behaviour, so
that the "Always use this ..." checkbox is NOT checked/ticked by
default. (Currently, it _is_ always checked, and I have to uncheck it.
Which is easy to forget to do.)

ISTR reading that there _is_ a way to change it, but I can't remember
what it was/is.
--
J. P. Gilliver. UMRA: 1960/1985 MB++G()AL-IS-Ch++(p)Ar@T+H+Sh0!:`)DNAf

"I am entitled to my own opinion."
"Yes, but it's your constant assumption that everyone else is also that's so
annoying." - Vila & Avon

J. P. Gilliver (John) wrote:

In message , VanguardLH
writes: "J. P. Gilliver (John)"
wrote:

When I use "Open With", either because I've right-clicked or
because the 'type has nothing associated with it (and have chosen
"Select ... from a list" rather than "Use the web service ..."),
the "Always use the selected program ..." box is always ticked.

The result is that if I try an application to see if it'll open
the file, and forget to untick the box, that application is then
associated with that filetype, even if it doesn't succeed (which
it usually doesn't).
[]
Is there a way - and this time, I'm quite happy to regedit, if it
only needs doing once - to make the "Always use ..." box UNticked
by default?
[]
The only way to assign a handler to a filetype is if the file has an
extension. No extension means that option will be grayed out. You
can use Windows Explorer to assign filetype associations:

Explorer: View - Folder Options - File Types tab

There is a Delete button you can use to remove an assocation (of
handler
[much useful stuff deleted]

I knew when I typed it that I shouldn't have asked for two things in
one post, because everyone would get hung up on one of them, and
totally ignore the other one.

In this case, "how do I change/delete associations" was the minor
question; I'd hoped putting it in brackets would suffice, but no luck.

The main question was/is: "How do I change the default behaviour, so
that the "Always use this ..." checkbox is NOT checked/ticked by
default. (Currently, it is always checked, and I have to uncheck it.
Which is easy to forget to do.)

ISTR reading that there is a way to change it, but I can't remember
what it was/is.

J.P.,


Here is a way to do it:
https://www.sevenforums.com/tutorial...lected-program
-always-checked-unchecked.html

It involves downloading a .dll file and a registry tweak.

But... I DOES work!

Make sure you do step 7. It brings you to another page.

Easy? Not really but the instructions are there if you read the entire

page.

It's working for me.

HTH

JT



--

"J. P. Gilliver (John)" wrote:

VanguardLH WROTE:

"J. P. Gilliver (John)" wrote:

When I use "Open With", either because I've right-clicked or because the
'type has nothing associated with it (and have chosen "Select ... from a
list" rather than "Use the web service ..."), the "Always use the
selected program ..." box is always ticked.

The result is that if I _try_ an application to _see_ if it'll open the
file, and forget to untick the box, that application is then associated
with that filetype, even if it doesn't succeed (which it usually
doesn't).

Is there a way - and this time, I'm quite happy to regedit, if it only
needs doing once - to make the "Always use ..." box UNticked by default?

The only way to assign a handler to a filetype is if the file has an
extension. No extension means that option will be grayed out. You
can use Windows Explorer to assign filetype associations:

Explorer: View - Folder Options - File Types tab

There is a Delete button you can use to remove an assocation (of
handler

I *knew* when I typed it that I shouldn't have asked for two things in
one post, because everyone would get hung up on one of them, and totally
ignore the other one.

In this case, "how do I change/delete associations" was the _minor_
question; I'd hoped putting it in brackets would suffice, but no luck.

The _main_ question was/is: "How do I change the _default_ behaviour, so
that the "Always use this ..." checkbox is NOT checked/ticked by
default. (Currently, it _is_ always checked, and I have to uncheck it.
Which is easy to forget to do.)

ISTR reading that there _is_ a way to change it, but I can't remember
what it was/is.

The "Always use" button will always be enabled by default (for files
with an extension since an association is not possible for files with no
extension). That's the default. You will ALWAYS have to remember to
uncheck that box if you don't want your current selection to be
remembered for the next time you double-click on the same filetype.
Yeah, I know, it's like a trap to pick a default when your default is
not to create an association for a one-time file open.

Microsoft defaults to enabling the "Always use" option. After picking
the handler you want to open the file, you have to make sure to uncheck
that option if you don't want that same handler used later.

Note that JT's solution requires using 3rd party software to alter
behavior. It is a 2-part solution: .reg file (to add myOpenAs.dll as
the handler for unknown filetypes) and adding a DLL file that gets
called instead of the browser dialog inside of Windows Explorer. The
..reg file adds the following to the registry:

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Unknown\shell\opendlg\command]

That key already exists. It points to rundll32.exe to call the
OpenAs_RunDLL function from the shell32.dll system file. The myOpenAs
solution redefines this registry key to use someone else's dialog
instead of the standard one in Windows.

A filetype that has not been previously associated to a handler will use
this registry lookup. myOpenAs.dll replaces the standard dialog
presented by Windows Explorer. With JT's solution (at the Win7 site),
you are adding 3rd party software (the DLL file along with reg hack).
At that point, maybe you should consider looking at alternative file
managers instead of using Windows Explorer. Different file manager will
have different behaviors.

In message , JT
writes:
J. P. Gilliver (John) wrote:

In message , VanguardLH
writes: "J. P. Gilliver (John)"
wrote:

When I use "Open With", either because I've right-clicked or
because the 'type has nothing associated with it (and have chosen
"Select ... from a list" rather than "Use the web service ..."),
the "Always use the selected program ..." box is always ticked.

The result is that if I try an application to see if it'll open
the file, and forget to untick the box, that application is then
associated with that filetype, even if it doesn't succeed (which
it usually doesn't).
[]
Is there a way - and this time, I'm quite happy to regedit, if it
only needs doing once - to make the "Always use ..." box UNticked
by default?
[]
The only way to assign a handler to a filetype is if the file has an
extension. No extension means that option will be grayed out. You
can use Windows Explorer to assign filetype associations:

Explorer: View - Folder Options - File Types tab

There is a Delete button you can use to remove an assocation (of
handler
[much useful stuff deleted]

I knew when I typed it that I shouldn't have asked for two things in
one post, because everyone would get hung up on one of them, and
totally ignore the other one.

In this case, "how do I change/delete associations" was the minor
question; I'd hoped putting it in brackets would suffice, but no luck.

The main question was/is: "How do I change the default behaviour, so
that the "Always use this ..." checkbox is NOT checked/ticked by
default. (Currently, it is always checked, and I have to uncheck it.
Which is easy to forget to do.)

ISTR reading that there is a way to change it, but I can't remember
what it was/is.

J.P.,


Here is a way to do it:
https://www.sevenforums.com/tutorial...lected-program
-always-checked-unchecked.html

It involves downloading a .dll file and a registry tweak.

But... I DOES work!

To my surprise (since it's on sevenforums, and makes no mention of XP),
it works on XP as well. But ...

Make sure you do step 7. It brings you to another page.

(That's now step 8.) ... unfortunately, it only works with filetypes
that already _have_ an association, when you use the "Open With" option.
For _unknown_ filetypes, where it would have been most useful, it
_doesn't_ work - the tickbox ("Always use ...") remains ticked.

The author (I think it's the same one) wrote a second version of the
..dll file that apparently fixed that problem - but unfortunately the
link to it is dead. Googling for it only finds other people bemoaning
that fact (including one who says it's not on wayback either). So if you
still have a copy of either MyOpenAs_v2 file (the .zip or the 32-bit
..dll [the 64-bit one might be useful too]), people would probably
appreciate it if you could post it somewhere! (Or email it to me -
current email will work.)

Easy? Not really but the instructions are there if you read the entire

page.

Looked easy enough to me - copy (the right) .dll from the .zip to
\windows\system32, and run the relevant .reg file from the .zip.

It's working for me.

It is now for me - but only for files with an existing association,
unfortunately, as I can't find the second version.

HTH

JT



--
J. P. Gilliver. UMRA: 1960/1985 MB++G()AL-IS-Ch++(p)Ar@T+H+Sh0!:`)DNAf

Veni Vidi Visa [I came, I saw, I did a little shopping] - Mik from S+AS Limited
), 1998

In message , VanguardLH
writes:
[]
The "Always use" button will always be enabled by default (for files
with an extension since an association is not possible for files with no
extension). That's the default. You will ALWAYS have to remember to

Er, yes ...

uncheck that box if you don't want your current selection to be
remembered for the next time you double-click on the same filetype.
Yeah, I know, it's like a trap to pick a default when your default is
not to create an association for a one-time file open.

.... quite.

Microsoft defaults to enabling the "Always use" option. After picking
the handler you want to open the file, you have to make sure to uncheck
that option if you don't want that same handler used later.

Note that JT's solution requires using 3rd party software to alter
behavior. It is a 2-part solution: .reg file (to add myOpenAs.dll as
the handler for unknown filetypes) and adding a DLL file that gets
called instead of the browser dialog inside of Windows Explorer. The

OK; I'd have preferred not to use third-party, but if it has to be that,
it has to be that.

.reg file adds the following to the registry:

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Unknown\shell\opendlg\command]

That key already exists. It points to rundll32.exe to call the
OpenAs_RunDLL function from the shell32.dll system file. The myOpenAs
solution redefines this registry key to use someone else's dialog
instead of the standard one in Windows.

It does seem to work, _if you use the "Open With" right-click option.
Which doesn't exist for filetypes that don't already have an association

A filetype that has not been previously associated to a handler will use
this registry lookup. myOpenAs.dll replaces the standard dialog
presented by Windows Explorer. With JT's solution (at the Win7 site),
you are adding 3rd party software (the DLL file along with reg hack).
At that point, maybe you should consider looking at alternative file
managers instead of using Windows Explorer. Different file manager will
have different behaviors.

Unfortunately, though the author of the solution (call it a hack if you
wish, though I don't think you have) JT pointed to has written a second
version that allegedly _would_ work for unassociated filetypes, it seems
not to be available at the original link nor anywhere else (unless _you_
have it - MyOpenAs_v2 - and can post it or send me a copy!), so I can't
tell the 'group whether that works under XP (as the original, limited,
one does, even though the solution is in sevenforums).

I have in the past looked at more than one alternative file managers,
but always either found them unsatisfactory in one or two ways, or have
been reluctant to make them the default (or they haven't had that
facility). Which one do you use by preference?
--
J. P. Gilliver. UMRA: 1960/1985 MB++G()AL-IS-Ch++(p)Ar@T+H+Sh0!:`)DNAf

Veni Vidi Visa [I came, I saw, I did a little shopping] - Mik from S+AS Limited
), 1998

"J. P. Gilliver (John)" wrote:

Unfortunately, though the author of the solution (call it a hack if you
wish, though I don't think you have) JT pointed to has written a second
version that allegedly _would_ work for unassociated filetypes, it seems
not to be available at the original link nor anywhere else (unless _you_
have it - MyOpenAs_v2 - and can post it or send me a copy!), so I can't
tell the 'group whether that works under XP (as the original, limited,
one does, even though the solution is in sevenforums).

The wintecnico.com/ is gone. I don't know why dmartin in his blog
(http://blogs.msmvps.com/dmartin/blog...ed-by-default/
dated 12-SEP-2011) was pointing at a site named Ficheros (on the
wintecnio.com domain). Rather than stop paying for the webhosting (that
went away), would've been better if dmartin had put his wares over ar
Sourceforge or GIT. The wintecnio.com domain is now owned by a
cybersquatter.

From the web archive project:
https://web-beta.archive.org/web/201...m:80/descargas

So the myOpenAs download was gone less than a year later. Maybe it was
a flaky or unwanted solution.

https://web-beta.archive.org/web/201...m:80/descargas

That was only a month after dmartin's blog and myOpenAs was already
gone. Geesh. http://www.wintecnico.com:80/descargas, the download
page, doesn't have nearly as many captures. The various snapshots of
the download page were pointing to an Oct 2011 capture of that page. I
jumped back to:

https://web-beta.archive.org/web/201...m:80/descargas

from April 2011 (5 months earlier) and still didn't see myOpenAs listed.
Maybe the Fischeros path never had its files included in their download
page. From the Win7 forum discussion, looks like v2 is lost because its
author left it at a site that disappeared (and sucked up by a squatter).

I have in the past looked at more than one alternative file managers,
but always either found them unsatisfactory in one or two ways, or have
been reluctant to make them the default (or they haven't had that
facility). Which one do you use by preference?

I don't use any 3rd party file managers. I just have to keep
remembering to uncheck the "Always remember" option with the one
included with Windows (explorer.exe, which is also the desktop manager).
If I blunder and forget to uncheck the option, off I go to unassociate
the filetype. After a few times of having to unassociate, I got used to
always peering down the OpenAs dialog to notice the option. Becomes
habit after awhile but you burn until you learn [to memorize].