Microsoft KB Archive/218805

= "Open With" Command Missing from the Context Menu =

Article ID: 218805

Article Last Modified on 1/24/2007

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Windows 95
 * Microsoft Windows 98 Standard Edition

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This article was previously published under Q218805



IMPORTANT: This article contains information about modifying the registry. Before you modify the registry, make sure to back it up and make sure that you understand how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For information about how to back up, restore, and edit the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

256986 Description of the Microsoft Windows Registry



SYMPTOMS
When you double-click an unknown file type, an unexpected default action may occur.

When you right-click an unknown file type, the Open With command may be missing from the context menu that appears.



CAUSE
This behavior can occur if the registry key that handles the command is altered or damaged.



RESOLUTION
WARNING: If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

Use Registry Editor to examine the file association key for unknown file types:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Unknown\shell\openas\command

The "default" value for this key should read:

C:\%windir%\rundll32.exe shell32.dll,OpenAs_RunDLL %1

If necessary, modify the value to match the value shown here.



MORE INFORMATION
For additional information about how to determine which folder Windows is installed in, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

305792 How to Determine Which Folder Windows Is Installed In

Keywords: kbenv kbprb kbui KB218805

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