TECH: Stupid Windows question

Subject: Stupid Windows question
From: michaelr
Date: 11 May 02 - 08:47 PM

I downloaded the Mudcat logo for use on the Mudcat CD cover. Problem is, when I try to open the file, my computer goes to Windows NetMeeting automatically (whether I'm online or not) which is useless because it doesn't open the file. (It's a .zip file, BTW).

Do I need a special program to unzip this file? How do I tell NetMeeting to quit butting in?

I remember that somewhere in Windows (I'm using 98 SE) there is a list of all possible files, and the programs that will open them. But I can't find this list again!

Please help!
Michael

Subject: RE: Help: Stupid Windows question
From: Amergin
Date: 11 May 02 - 08:51 PM

if you got a program like winzip you can open that and then open the zip file...

Subject: RE: Help: Stupid Windows question
From: Amergin
Date: 11 May 02 - 08:51 PM

if you got a program like winzip you can open that and then open the zip file...

Subject: RE: Help: Stupid Windows question
From: IvanB
Date: 11 May 02 - 09:19 PM

michaelr, on any Explorer screen (Windows Explorer, not Internet Explorer), click on View/Folder Options/File Types. There you'll see a list of the programs associated with various file extensions. Scroll down to zip and see if Netmeeting has sneaked in there somehow. Actually, I'd probably just delete the extension from my list no matter what it says. Then, exit and, when you click on a zip file, you should get the box asking what program you want to use to open the file. Choose whatever your zip-extracting program is, make sure the 'Always use this program' box is checked, and a new association should be set up. Good luck!

Subject: RE: Help: Stupid Windows question
From: IvanB
Date: 11 May 02 - 09:26 PM

Well, so much for clear, concise instructions. The File Type tab lists files by their program types, not by extension. Before you do the above, right-click on the zip file, then on 'Properties.' The properties box should tell you what listing zip files fall under in the File Type list. Even if it says it's associated with your extraction program, I'd remove the file type anyway, because it sounds like there's a cross-link operating. By deleting the type and reassociating it, you should break the link and be back in business.

Subject: RE: Help: Stupid Windows question
From: michaelr
Date: 11 May 02 - 09:29 PM

Thank you both, I got it!

Michael

Subject: RE: Help: Stupid Windows question
From: wysiwyg
Date: 11 May 02 - 09:40 PM

I think it would get you a better image if you ask Max for one directly. I seem to remember him saying something about that...

~S~

Subject: RE: Help: Stupid Windows question
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 12 May 02 - 08:19 AM

Thread Titling: I've read the thread, so I think I can answer my own question.
Does the title refer to a stupid question about Windows, or a question about "Stupid Windows" ( and why hasn't Bill Gates copyrighted that name? it is more accurate than "Microsoft Works"!)
Nigel

Subject: RE: Help: Stupid Windows question
From: michaelr
Date: 12 May 02 - 02:27 PM

Nigel - LOL! You're so right... Actually, the thread title refers to me being stupid (occasionally) as to the way Windows "works". It seems my kind of non-linear thinking gets me stuck and frustrated sometimes. But I'm catching on!

WYSI - I PM'd Max for the logo and he provided the link. I just had to figure out how to open the file, which I did thanks to Amergin and Ivan.

Cheers,
Michael

Subject: RE: Help: Stupid Windows question
From: mack/misophist
Date: 12 May 02 - 03:16 PM

The only 2 problems with WinZip are that it's more complex that most people need and they keep trying to get you to pay. There are many free zip utilities. Do a search something like 'freeware+utilities'.

Subject: RE: Help: Stupid Windows question
From: Snuffy
Date: 12 May 02 - 06:23 PM

If you just want to unzip files, and never need to zip them up yourself, then you want PKunzip which is free and tiny (29Kb).

Just type "pkunzip" in Google and you'll get lots of hits: I downloaded it from a trucking company in Bedford (England).

Subject: RE: TECH: Stupid Windows question
From: GUEST
Date: 12 May 02 - 06:35 PM

misophist,

you points regarding winzip, that:

it's more complex that most people need and they keep trying to get you to pay

may be correct, but if that is the case, why does everyone want to use 'Word' to write a few simple letters?

Subject: RE: TECH: Stupid Windows question
From: mack/misophist
Date: 12 May 02 - 09:32 PM

Dear Guest, They must have gotten Word for free.

Subject: RE: TECH: Stupid Windows question
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 13 May 02 - 12:59 AM

The original question about file type associations raises a point that appears not widely known.

If a file type is "associated" double-clicking a file in Windows explorer will open the file in the "associated" program.

If you "right-click" on a file, you get a "roll-down" that should include a choice "Send To." Generally, the "places" you can send the file to are pretty useless, but you can add places to send stuff.

In the your "Windows" directory, usually C:\Windows, you should find a subdirectory named "SendTo." You can create a shortcut to any program and copy or move it into the "C:\Windows\SendTo" directory, and that program will appear when you right click a file and move down to the "Send To" choice.

I added a shortcut to Word, because many times I'd prefer to have Word editing features immediately available when I look at .txt files that would ordinarily go to Notepad or Wordpad. I also have a "default" picture viewer that opens when I double click a graphic file, but I can right click to send the file to one of my other photo editors if I want to do more than just look at it.

Messing with file associations can drive you buggy, but this is a handy - and poorly documented - trick if you have a use for it.

John