Stop new programs changing default file associations

Helpline Q&A Directory

Installing and uninstalling applications plays havoc with my file associations. For instance, when I double-click a Jpeg file, I get the last program I installed, not the one I want to use. Can I prevent programs from changing that association?

Most installation routines assume that their program is the only one on your computer. The best way to protect your file associations is to back up the ones that you want to protect. This involves entering the Registry, so see tip Back up the Registry.

Select Start, Run, type Regedit and press Enter. Navigating the left pane as if it were Windows Explorer, go to the folder beneath My Computer\Hkey_Local_Machine\Software\Classes for the file extension you want to protect. For instance, My Computer\Hkey_Local_Machine\Software\Classes\.jpg. With that folder open, select Registry, Export Registry File.

Give the file a name (jpg) and save it. This won't back up the entire Registry - just the part with the Jpeg association. Now, should any newly installed program decide that it's the one in which you want to edit your Jpeg files, simply find the file you saved (jpg.reg) and double-click it.