Right click 'Open With' Command missing. Help Please.

Anonymous
2009-09-21T20:08:24+00:00

I realised a few days ago that the right click context menu 'open with' command is missing. However its there at the top of the window on the 'menu bar' or whatever.

Not sure how it happened. Maybe when i installed MS .Net Framework 3 SP1 or maybe when I cleaned registry with CCleaner.

I need to get it back please. Could u tell me how??? thanks.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Accessibility

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Anonymous
2009-09-22T12:20:29+00:00

Hi, scurvy:

By design, the Open With menu option is not available when you right-click executable files (.cmd, .bat, .pif, .scf, .exe, .com, or .scr), or shortcuts to executable files.

If you've lost the Open With menu option for ALL file types, including non-executable files, follow this steps:

  1. Click Start, All Programs, Accesories, Notepad.
  2. Copy and paste this text:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers\Open With]

@="{09799AFB-AD67-11d1-ABCD-00C04FC30936}"

  1. Click File, Save As, name the file "OpenWith.reg" (WITH THE QUOTATION MARKS) and click OK.
  2. Now double-click OpenWith.reg, click Continue, Yes, OK, and see if the problem is solved.

P.S: My personal advice is not to use ANY registry cleaner on the system.


Microsoft MVP Windows Desktop Experience

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  1. Anonymous
    2017-01-24T21:20:17+00:00

    tried the regedit to fix the open with on right click, it was already there in default. Highlighed it, then ok it, still no open with prompt. should I deleate it and reenter or what.

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  2. Anonymous
    2017-08-17T15:05:15+00:00

    Hi, scurvy:

    By design, the Open With menu option is not available when you right-click executable files (.cmd, .bat, .pif, .scf, .exe, .com, or .scr), or shortcuts to executable files.

    If you've lost the Open With menu option for ALL file types, including non-executable files, follow this steps:

    1. Click Start, All Programs, Accesories, Notepad.
    2. Copy and paste this text:

    Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

    [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers\Open With]

    @="{09799AFB-AD67-11d1-ABCD-00C04FC30936}"

    1. Click File, Save As, name the file "OpenWith.reg" (WITH THE QUOTATION MARKS) and click OK.
    2. Now double-click OpenWith.reg, click Continue, Yes, OK, and see if the problem is solved.

    P.S: My personal advice is not to use ANY registry cleaner on the system.


    Microsoft MVP Windows Desktop Experience

    I am having a similar problem, only it is only happening with notepad files (which has the option in the home tab on the toolbar), and on .bat files (no option anywhere).  I check the registry and the value is in place and correct.  I need this option for the .bat files because I write .bat files and I need to be able to edit them when they are not functioning as I intended.

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  3. Anonymous
    2017-08-17T15:27:49+00:00

    You've replied to an eight-year-old post, so I hope you don't expect a meaningful response.  Start a new thread with your question.

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  4. Anonymous
    2017-08-17T15:30:16+00:00

    You've replied to an eight-year-old post, so I hope you don't expect a meaningful response.  Start a new thread with your question.

    I realized this just after I posted this reply and started a new thread.  Thank you for your response.

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