problems with opening files in Windows XP

[bigboy]

I wanted to play alchemists changing my icons, so I click in tools-> Folder Options. In Tab type of file, I changed the icons, the problem is that by doing this, I activated the "find" so that when I want to open a file and it launched search instead of opening the file I am compelled to right click and open ...
I tried a System Restore, and it has not changed. Does someone have an idea ..?

[Zachary]

you can recreate a key and put "open" by default. Unfortunately, when you open a folder, then a subfolder, etc .. it opens a new window every time.

[newtech]

type in start >> run >> regedit
find HKCR / directory /
delete the key find
or rename the open by giving the following value:
C:\WINDOWS\system32\rundll32.exe "%1"

[unidentified]

For Windows Vista see this tips for file associations: File association fixes for Windows Vista

[nitesh mehta]

Try the http://support.microsoft.com/kb/q307859/ article first! then read on if you still have a problem.

Some times in XP you may find that due to program installations, or simple accidental miss use of the file types association XP will need to have a helping hand via a few registry tweaks.

Normally you can follow these instructions from the Microsoft website, however if they do not work follow my tip.

Run regedit
navigate to the key:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\directory\shell\

Delete all open with / open keys that are not working for you. the image above shows a default new installation of XP. All there is under shell is find. Often problem file association actions especially folder problems can be resolved using this simple method.

If you do wish to change the registry remember back up your registry and make sure you understand what you are doing. You can export the shell key before you change it to make sure you also have an immediate copy. Saves having to restore the entire registry.

How to change file associations
You may want to change the association of a file name extension from one program to another. For example, you may prefer to open text files (.txt) in your favorite word processor so that you can format the text. By default, text files are associated with Microsoft Notepad. By default, file name extensions for known file types are hidden.

To See All File Extensions
1. On the Tools menu in My Computer or Windows Explorer, click Folder Options.
2. Click the View tab.
3. Clear the Hide extensions for known file types check box.

To change file associations
1. Right-click a file with the extension whose association you want to change, and then click Open With.
2. In the Open With dialog box, click the program where you want the file to open, or click Browse to locate the program that you want.
3. Select the Always use the selected program to open this kind of file check box.

How to create file associations for unassociated file types
You may want to create a file association for a file type that is not associated with a program in your computer.

There are two common reasons for this action:
• A program such as a database produces file reports with extensions that are not registered in Windows XP.
• You receive e-mail message attachments that are created in a program that is not installed on your computer, but there is an installed program that can read these files.

To create file association:
1. Right-click a file with the extension that you want to change, and then click Open, or double-click the file.

2. Windows XP displays a dialog box that indicates that no program is associated with this file. The dialog box offers two choices for creating an association:
• Use the Web service to find the appropriate program
• Select the program from a list
Unless you want to find and download software that opens this file type, the best choice is to select the program from a list.

3. Windows displays a dialog box that displays programs that are installed on the computer. If the program that you want to use for this file type is not listed, click Browse to locate the appropriate software. Select the Always use the selected program to open this kind of file check box.