i use the windows xp OS. whenever i right-click any file, choose the 'open with' option and click 'choose program...', the file opens in notepad. the 'open with' dialog box should appear, but it doesn't. how can i restore the default setting so that the 'open with' dialog box appears after clicking 'choose program...'?

Has this just started happening? If so > Try System Restore, I have had good results using this way or Safe Mode, different to Last Known Good Configuration in Safe Mode. http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/getstarted/ballew_03may19.mspx System Restore is accessed the following way: 1. It's a good practice to shut down all other applications before using System Restore, as it requires a full-system reboot to complete the installation. Connecting to the internet is not required, however. So shut all applications. Then click "Start." 2. Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore. Then the program will load. Here's a screen shot of the program-entry screen: http://www.techbuilder.org/recipes/60402485 Or, If System Restore doesn't work in Normal Mode, it might work in Safe Mode. Toggle F8 or Press Ctrl ( depends on your comp ) during bootup ( just before, verifying DMI pool, message comes on ) Select Safe Mode. http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2001060608000039 http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;315222&Product=winxp http://www.whtvcable.com/virusremoval%20.htm http://www.techbuilder.org/recipes/60402485 http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/getstarted/ballew_03may19.mspx

r28271, The solution to your problem is at the link below. If you're uncomfortable editeing the registry just download the reg file fix and double click it to merge the contents into your registry then restart your computer. Clicking the "Open With" or "Choose Program..." option always opens the file with Notepad Tufenuf

This guy never seems to acknowledge anyone's efforts on his behalf Classy Science is built up with facts, as a house is with stones. But a collection of facts is not more a science than a heap of stones is a home

jboy, Thanks for that info and it's sad when so many people spend time trying to help and never even receive a reply or a Thank You. Tufenuf

I have to say he's about the worst offender I have ever seen here - all those questions answered, but nary a reply. Perhaps we're considered to be "low caste"? Science is built up with facts, as a house is with stones. But a collection of facts is not more a science than a heap of stones is a home