Re: IE 6 Won't Use Default File Associations

Tech Tip: Click here to run a free scan for Windows Errors and optimize PC performance

From: Frank Saunders, MS-MVP IE/OE (franksaunders_at_mvps.org)
Date: 12/03/04 

Date: Thu, 2 Dec 2004 19:31:59 -0600

"john chapman" <z_q-g.-u@cox.net> wrote in message
news:370f3a0b.0412021605.23d55c47@posting.google.com
> My earlier response of 9 hours ago still has not been posted, but I
> have updated info.
>
> First, I do not have this problem using Netscape. This would imply
> that the problem is within IE, and not in my firewall protection or in
> Windows itself. I can open local mpg and pdf files with my IE browser
> (pointers in address line), but cannot from a web site. Outside of IE
> clicking on mpg and pdf files will open them in VMP and Acrobat, as
> expected. Turning off my firewall does not help. Since the question
> was asked, I can open a Word document and Excel spread*** via the IE
> browser by clicking on it.
>
> Correction. When I click on a link for a pdf, I get a very small box
> with a red circle and blue triangle and square, and not the red x I
> indicated earlier.
>
> My windows is fully up-to-date per MS site.
>
>
> `"PA Bear" <PABearMVP@gmail.com> wrote in message
> news:<#mAsR0B2EHA.2824@TK2MSFTNGP09.phx.gbl>...
>> Do they open at all? Does this affect all file types?
>>
>> What do PDF files open in, if not Acrobat Reader? Did you install MS
>> Journal Viewer?
>>
>> What do MPG file open in, if not WMP? Did you install another media
>> player?
>>
>> Are you up-to-date at Windows Update? Ave you tried disabling your
>> anti-virus app and/or firewall (Careful!) to see if one or both of
>> them may be interfering?
>> --
>> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
>> MS MVP-Windows (IE/OE)
>>
>> john chapman wrote:
>>> Double clicking on a linked file (in browser window) will not open
>>> the file using the default file association. For example, .pdf
>>> files will not automatically bring up Acrobat, nor will .mpg files
>>> open automatically in Windows Media Player. If I save these (and
>>> other types of files), and then double click on the saved files,
>>> they will open in their respective default programs. Just a note
>>> -- if I specify that media files are to be played in the bar, they
>>> will come up automatically there. Also, am running WIN 2000.
>>>
>>> Something seemingly has told IE6 not to automatically launch the
>>> default file associations. What do I need to do to reactivate?

If it is only .pdf files, then read on and see if this is relevant:
You may have an invalid plugin.
Netscape-Style Plug-ins Do Not Work After Upgrading Internet Explorer
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=303401

Remove the plugin with Regedit.exe
Start-Run-Regedit.exe
Navigate down to this key and remove it, after exporting it as a
normal safety precaution.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet
Explorer\Plugins\Extension\.pdf

If that key exists, then you will see what plugin has been installed.
(QuickTime by the looks of it and if so, I believe they have a fix)
The key does not normally exist. 

-- 
Frank Saunders, MS-MVP, IE/OE
Please respond in Newsgroup only.  Do not send email
http://www.fjsmjs.com
Protect your PC
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/
Quantcast