vista 'zip file default help'

**the-wizard** · 19th February 2011, 20:14

Guys i have a none windows prog that opens zip files, I have done - regedit/software/zip/user & deleted that ext, it has not returned to vista use, so i have gone into default progs as below but when i go into the choice page to change it i cant find where the prog is to choose the windows orig prog to open them, anyone know where or what it would be from this type of list. i have gone from the first pic via jzip- change program, then 2nd pic, browse, then the 3rd is the choice list.

**James24** · 19th February 2011, 21:31

Not 100% sure what you mean, but if you want to associate Vista's built in ZIP facility with ZIP files, try this:

1. Open the Start Menu
2. Go to All Programs
3. Expand the Accessories Folder
4. Right Click Command Prompt
5. Select Run as Administrator

Windows Vista will ask you if you were sure that you wanted to open the command prompt as an administrator, say yes. Now from there type:

cmd /c assoc .zip=CompressedFolder

This should restore Windows Explorer as the "Unzip Utility".

**the-wizard** · 19th February 2011, 21:41

Ill try that now mate; hold on!. after ve typed this in what do i do ? thanks.& if i make any mistakes how do i correct them ? back space dont remove them.

**James24** · 19th February 2011, 21:47

Did I mention that I deny all responsibility if it formats your hard disk?

Find a ZIP file and try to open/unzip it and see what program does the work - Vista or a third party one.

There's only one line to type in. Copy and paste it if you want to. Usually, incorrectly formatted commands won't be accepted and will either be ignored or throw up an error message.

**the-wizard** · 19th February 2011, 21:55

NO! HOPE YOUR TAKING THE WEE WEE

, if there associated with vista shouldn't the icon be a windows one, cos there still showing j zip ?.

just done a ccleaner reg scan & it came up with this.

**James24** · 19th February 2011, 21:56

Did you uninstall J Zip?

If you find a ZIP file and try to open/unzip it, what program does the work? Vista's own or a third party one?

Right-click a ZIP file and hit Properties. It should now say 'Opens with: Windows Explorer'. If not, what does it say?

**the-wizard** · 19th February 2011, 22:00

Originally Posted by James24

Did you uninstall J Zip?

If you find a ZIP file and try to open/unzip it, what program does the work? Vista's own or a third party one?

Right-click a ZIP file and hit properties. It should now say 'Opens with: Windows Explorer'. If not, what does it say?

jzip opens them at the mo, im happy to keep jzip but want windows to open them but keep any others & have the option .

**the-wizard** · 19th February 2011, 22:04

when it asks for the option choice 'browse for a program to open the file i cant seem to find 'windows explorer to choose1 where is that choice located ''as pic in first post ?.

**James24** · 19th February 2011, 22:05

That's because Vista's built-in ZIP file tool isn't a separate application as such, it's a part/feature of Windows Explorer and the reason why you have to type the command I posted.

Any particular file type - e.g. ZIP files can only have an association to one particular application i.e. the one that opens it when you double-click the file.

However, you can sort of get round this with ZIP files because Vista's built-in ZIP file tool isn't a separate application as such, it's a part/feature of Windows Explorer.

If you do as I posted as above, this will associate ZIP files with Windows Explorer and if you have J Zip still installed, you can right-click ZIP files, choose 'Open With...' and select J Zip. It won't work the other way around for the reason mentioned.

**the-wizard** · 19th February 2011, 22:10

I have copy & pasted the above, closed & restarted = no change. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ok james i can send to compressed zip & it appears as a windows zip (great) but how can i change the ones i already have ie go to default progs & choose windows explorer to open them ? is it possible to find WE from the programs list ?.