#How to view file types in xp how to#
#How to view file types in xp windows#

Set the default value of the extension subkey to the ProgID to which it is linked. The file type extension entries that are used by file associations are described in the following table. Setting Optional Subkeys and File Type Extension Attributesįile type extension entries in the registry have several optional subkeys and attributes. For more information, see File Type Handlers. myp-file to be opened with an application called MyProgram, use the following syntax: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTĪs demonstrated in the preceding example, if you also register a short file name extension (.myp), you should create a subkey for the long extension (.myp-file) as well. For example, if you want a file type with the short extension. It is important to include the leading period (.) when creating file type subkeys in the registry. File name extension subkeys are stored in the HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT subtree. For information about defining a new ProgID, see Programmatic Identifiers.įile name extension subkeys have the following general form: extension= ProgID. To associate the file type with a new application, define a ProgID for your application. To associate the file type with an existing application, locate the application ProgID in the registry. The distinction is relevant only in making decisions about your choice of file type registration.

#How to view file types in xp windows#

Windows does not differentiate between public and private file types. Some file types can start as private file types but later become public file types. As a result, private file types are typically not prone to conflicts between applications. Unlike public file types, private or proprietary file types typically have a format that is implemented and understood by only one application or vendor.

Some examples of file types that are considered public are the image file types.

Applications from multiple vendors are likely to handle them.

They need to be supported on many different platforms.

They are often exchanged between computers and users for diverse purposes.

They are typically defined by standards bodies, and/or are promoted by their defining organizations as interchange formats.

Characteristics of public file types include: Public file types are also known as popular or contentious types because competing applications might want to be associated with these file types.

#How to view file types in xp how to#

How To Exclude an Application from the Open with Dialog Box for Unassociated File Types.How To Include an Application on the Open with Dialog Box.Deleting Registry Information During UninstallationĪdditional information can be found on the following topics:.Setting Optional Subkeys and File Type Extension Attributes.In other cases, you might need to create a new file type. For example, if you create a new text editor, then you can use the existing. Files with a shared common file name extension (.doc. This topic explains how to create new file types and how to associate your app with your file type and other well-defined file types.