XP Pro (2600) How Do I Reset File Types?


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During some icon re-assignments :o I must have messed up my file types for FOLDERS, and now whenever i try to open a simple folder by clicking on it, the unrecognizable file type window appears, asking if I want to choose from list or have MS tell me what to use.

If I let MS pick, it can't find one.

If I pick myself, I obviously choose explorer.exe, and it opens fine, but it is not permanent. Nor is the selection saved for the next time I try to open a folder (!).

Rebooting does nothing. Are there any utils or options to reset the windows-inherent file types to default!!??

My last option currently is "upgrading" my installation to correct the problem, or using (and hoping that I have) a system restore point.

Thanks for any help!!

~havyn

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i think SFC can restore everything to its original state, well protected files anyway.

run -> cmd

then type sfc

depending on when you want to scan ,eg immediately

then type

sfc /scannow

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In Windows Explorer, click on Tools -->Folder Options-->File Types.

Scroll to the misbehaving file type and highlight the file type.

There should be button options of Change and Advanced if the file type is set to the original settings.

If they changed and you can revert/restore them to original, then the Advanced button will displayed the word Restore instead of Advanced.

BTW, if MS can't determine or properly associate the extension/file type (or even determine a hardware type in hardware detect), it brings up a list of what is already installed to associate with it. If the program you installed is not present, click on the the Browse button to view more programs to associate with. If it's still not there, the program didn't register properly with Windows. (Uninstall and reinstall - to the same location.)

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thanks all.

the re-association through Folder Options was something I kept trying, but it never worked to my satisfaction. in the end, i just restored from a point two days ago, which was relatively painless.

that sfc util sounds interesting though, i will look into that more.

~havyn

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