How do I add my application in the Default Programs list of Windows Vista/7?

c# .net windows-7 windows-vista file-association
Vercas picture Vercas · Apr 4, 2011 · Viewed 7.6k times · Source

So many programs feature a list of possible extensions and protocols under the "Default Programs" control panel applet. "Set Default PRograms", more precisely. (Vista & 7)
I wish to add my programs in that list and set some extensions that it can handle.

One more thing. My program supports addons for opening more files, so that list should be dynamic (I can add more extensions or even protocols at any time)

By the way, yes, I know, this is not exactly a programming question. It'd be my humble guess that it's a registry question. So UAC will not be an issue!

Answer

Vercas picture Vercas · Apr 4, 2011

OK so after hard work and a half-an-hour long registry search, I have found out that I have to register my applications capabilities and then register my application.

For others, analyze the values in this key: 

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\RegisteredApplications

Related questions

How do I force my .NET application to run as administrator?

Once my program is installed on a client machine, how do I force my program to run as an administrator on Windows 7?

Read More
The source was not found, but some or all event logs could not be searched

I am getting the following exception. I have given full control to Asp.net account on Eventlogs in Registry edit. [SecurityException: The source was not found, but some or all event logs could not be searched. Inaccessible logs: Security.] System.…

Read More
Change pinned taskbar icon (windows 7)

I wan't to customize the icon displayed within the windows 7 taskbar. When my app is running, I can do it by changing main window icon but, when the app is pinned, the exe's icon is displayed. How can I set …

Read More