Problems with File Associations

I'm experiencing inconsistent behavior in Vista regarding file-type
associations.

Sometimes file-type associations are handled fine, and sometimes not. For
instance, when I try to install the Apple iTunes software, it tells me that I
either don't have VBScript installed or it is disabled and it won't install
for me. VBScript IS installed and the file-type association is all setup
(like normal, by default) - nothing I can find in Internet Settings is
disabling it, but for some reason it is not functioning. Maybe it's iTunes
setup, maybe not compatible - but such a basic thing as file-type
associations shouldn't be bugging out at this stage of Windows.

For another example, other programs that have associations with certain file
types behave inconsistently. Sometimes when the file-type is executed the
program behaves normally and processes the default action for the file-type,
but sometimes not. My Winamp, for example, will only process a .pls file type
about 1 in 30 tries.

In general, I get the feeling that there is either something buggy with
file-type associations OR there have been changes made to some Windows core
APIs regarding these extensions, and some programs aren't able to process
them correcctly because they're maybe using a piece of legacy code.

Oh, and where did the list of system file-type associations go to? I'll tell
you where it went to - Internet Options (remember it used to be under Folder
Options?). Why the FRIKK did it get moved to Internet Options?? That is so
strange, where's the connection between file-types and my Internet settings?

"Victor Charles" <> wrote in message
news:3D283B96-0A9E-44CA-8B01-...
> I'm experiencing inconsistent behavior in Vista regarding file-type
> associations.
>
> <snip>>
> Oh, and where did the list of system file-type associations go to? I'll
> tell
> you where it went to - Internet Options (remember it used to be under
> Folder
> Options?). Why the FRIKK did it get moved to Internet Options?? That is so
> strange, where's the connection between file-types and my Internet
> settings?

--
I can't find it under internet options. What tab is it under. I always go to
the file, right click, open with, and go from there, all or one. Easier and
quicker than before.

John the West Ham fan

<><

Hi Victor,

For the iTunes problem:

Open an elevated Command Prompt and register the module vbscript.dll. To open an elevated Command Prompt, click Start, click All Programs, click Accessories, right-click Command Prompt, and then click Run as administrator. Type the following in the Command Prompt window:

regsvr32 vbscript.dll

Press ENTER

More information:

Error "VBScript is not installed" when installing iTunes in a Windows Vista computer:
http://www.winhelponline.com/articles/174/1/

iTunes and QuickTime for Windows cannot be installed without Visual Basic Script (VBScript):
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=304405

--
Regards,

Ramesh Srinivasan, Microsoft MVP [Windows Shell/User]
Windows® Troubleshooting http://www.winhelponline.com


"Victor Charles" <> wrote in message news:3D283B96-0A9E-44CA-8B01-...
I'm experiencing inconsistent behavior in Vista regarding file-type
associations.

Sometimes file-type associations are handled fine, and sometimes not. For
instance, when I try to install the Apple iTunes software, it tells me that I
either don't have VBScript installed or it is disabled and it won't install
for me. VBScript IS installed and the file-type association is all setup
(like normal, by default) - nothing I can find in Internet Settings is
disabling it, but for some reason it is not functioning. Maybe it's iTunes
setup, maybe not compatible - but such a basic thing as file-type
associations shouldn't be bugging out at this stage of Windows.

For another example, other programs that have associations with certain file
types behave inconsistently. Sometimes when the file-type is executed the
program behaves normally and processes the default action for the file-type,
but sometimes not. My Winamp, for example, will only process a .pls file type
about 1 in 30 tries.

In general, I get the feeling that there is either something buggy with
file-type associations OR there have been changes made to some Windows core
APIs regarding these extensions, and some programs aren't able to process
them correcctly because they're maybe using a piece of legacy code.

Oh, and where did the list of system file-type associations go to? I'll tell
you where it went to - Internet Options (remember it used to be under Folder
Options?). Why the FRIKK did it get moved to Internet Options?? That is so
strange, where's the connection between file-types and my Internet settings?