How do I fix my screwed-up Vista?

[Fishaman P]

I screwed up the default programs for some file extensions (like ZIP) and now I want to change it back to Windows doing it automatically (as if it was a folder). BTW, running Genuine Vista x64 SP2

- Control Panel --> Default Programs doesn't let me delete the entry
- I don't have administrative privileges
- Reinstalling Windows/resetting account isn't an option
- Just setting the icon back would be good enough

Thanks in advance!

 

[BiscuitBee]

Running Windows 7 myself, but a quick trick that I've used in Both XP and 7:

- Right-click the file you want to associate a program to and look for 'Open With'
- If a menu opens when you mouse over 'Open With' click on "Choose Default Program" at the bottom of that list. If there is no menu (the item will probably be 'Open With...') then click on it
- Select the default program you want to use. In your case, you are probably going to look for "Windows Explorer".
- Be sure to check-mark "Always use the select program to open this kind of file" at the bottom.
- Click the "OK" button at the bottom and hopefully you'll be back to normal.

There are a couple other methods. Check out the attached link for more information!

http://www.mydigitallife.info/2008/...sociations-default-programs-in-windows-vista/

 

[Fishaman P]

Thanks, but I had already done the same through the Registry. I just want that dang icon back!

 

[phoenix1234]

did u try system restore? this will restore everything to before your probs started...

 

[Fishaman P]

System restore...

1. I think you need admin privileges to do that.
2. I probably don't have a restore point. Period.