"Open With" Command Missing from the Context Menu (218805)
The information in this article applies to:
- Microsoft Windows 95
- Microsoft Windows 98
This article was previously published under Q218805 IMPORTANT: This article contains information about modifying the registry. Before you
modify the registry, make sure to back it up and make sure that you understand how to restore
the registry if a problem occurs. For information about how to back up, restore, and edit the
registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
256986 Description of the Microsoft Windows Registry
SYMPTOMS
When you double-click an unknown file type, an unexpected default action may occur.
When you right-click an unknown file type, the Open With command may be missing from the context menu that appears.
CAUSE
This behavior can occur if the registry key that handles the command is altered or damaged.
RESOLUTIONWARNING: If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may
require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve
problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own
risk.
Use Registry Editor to examine the file association key for unknown file types:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Unknown\shell\openas\command
The "default" value for this key should read:
C:\%windir%\rundll32.exe shell32.dll,OpenAs_RunDLL %1
If necessary, modify the value to match the value shown here.
| Modification Type: | Minor | Last Reviewed: | 12/20/2004 |
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| Keywords: | kbenv kbprb kbui KB218805 |
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