In Windows XP, how do I stop Windows from using the Picture and Fax Viewer to open my pictures?

By default, when you double-click an image file, Windows XP uses the Windows Picture and Fax Viewer to open it, even if you have installed other image programs. In older versions of Windows, you could choose which program launched through the File Type Associations window. This was changed in XP; you must do more than change the file type association to change the behavior. You must either enter a system command at the command prompt, or edit the registry. (If you only change the file type association, your changes will be lost the next time you reboot.)

Note: Either of the methods below will fix the problem; if you do one, it is not necessary to do the other.

Entering a system command

To enter a system command that will force the file type association to be recognized, do the following:

1. From the Start menu, select Run... .
   
   
2. In the "Open:" field, enter the following: regsvr32 /u shimgvw.dll

You can now open an image file with the viewer or editor you choose. This process unregisters the dynamic linked library file that forces the association with the Windows Picture and Fax viewer. This eliminates the overriding of the file type association.

Editing the registry

Warning: This document contains instructions for editing the registry. If you make any error while editing the registry, you can potentially cause Windows to fail or be unable to boot, requiring you to reinstall Windows. Edit the registry at your own risk. Always back up the registry before making any changes. For information, see In Windows XP and Vista, how do I back up the registry? If you do not feel comfortable editing the registry, do not attempt these instructions. Instead, seek the help of a computing support provider.

To edit the registry key that affects this behavior:

1. Click the Start button, and select Run... .
   
   
2. In the window that opens, enter regedit , and click OK.
   
   
3. In the window on the left, locate the following registry key by clicking the + (plus sign) next to each folder, then selecting the folder named Run: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\SystemFileAssociations\image\ShellEx\ContextMenuHandlers
4. In the window on the right, locate the folder that reads "ShellImagePreview" and delete it.

This removes the registry command that forces Windows to override the file type association.

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