Add "Edit With PhotoImpact" To Windows Explorer

[rctfdd]

At one time when I opened a picture from one of my folders, I was able to go to the menu bar, click on 'file' and then click on 'edit in PhotoImpact' to make changes.
Now I have get out of my folder and go to PhotoImpact first. How can I fix that like it use to be? Thanks Janet

[sjj1805]

Which version of PhotoImpact so I can send you a registry fix.

[rctfdd]

I am using PhotoImpact 11

[sjj1805]

Still trying to find the reg fix I did for Version 11, I think I replaced it when X3 came out. In the meantime here's the complete "how to"

http://mc-computing.com/WinExplorer/KeysToShare.htm


Adding Additional Associations
The associations between file extensions and specific applications are stored in the registry. From a practical viewpoint, there is no limit as to how many applications can be associated with a given application. However, only one application can be the default which is executed when a selection is double clicked. In order to execute one of the other associated applications, the user simply needs to RIGHT click the file and select the appropriate action (application) from the context menu.

Technically, there are several similar ways to edit these registry values, though the specific details vary slightly depending on which Windows operating system you are using. Basically, from the Windows Explorer menu, you can select something similar to

View / Folder Options... / File Types

and then edit the appropriate file type (from the type column in the right hand pane in Windows Explorer, assuming that the detail view is showing). The actual selections to get there vary somewhat between the operating systems.

Directly editing the registry is virtually identical in each operating system. It also has the advantage that you can locate the keys by either the actual extension or by searching on the file type. In addition, in the earlier operating systems, you must use the registry to edit the context menu strings.

Using this basic procedure, it is possible to have multiple applications actually share a contested extension. In the registry,

1. Locate the extension in HKCR (HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT)
   (for example - HKCR\.txt)
2. Locate the HKCR key which match the default value found in step one.
   (for example HKCR\txtfile)
3. The context menu options are located under the shell key. The next step is to rename these keys to NOT use generic terms like Open, Edit, or Play. Instead, use more specific terms like Edit with Notepad, Browse in IE, and Play via mplayer. Avoid using the ambiguous term Open at all costs.
4. Sometimes the shell verbs have a default value. When present, the default value is what is displayed in the context menu. In those cases, the default value must also be modified.
5. Using the existing keys as examples, add as many additional keys as you want, usually one for each application which you want to associate with that extension.
6. If the default value of the shell key matches one of its sub-keys, then the associated command is executed when a file of that type is double clicked.

[sjj1805]

Took me a while to work my way through it all again but here it is.



Here are two reg files, 1 to add PhotoImpact 11, the other to add PhotoImpact X3. You can run both if you have both programs installed.

PhotoImpact 11.
http://www.steve-jones.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/pi11.reg

PhotoImpact X3:
http://www.steve-jones.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/pix3.reg

[rctfdd]

Hi, I know very little about computers and as a result I had no idea what things like the extension in HKCR (HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT), the HKCR key, the shell key, etc. meant.

I am always ready to give it a try. My problems started when I updated my Microsoft program with a new download.

I read thru all your instructions, and then I remember you said you replaced Version 11 with X3. You gave me the web address for both PhotoImpact 11 and X3. I decided to go with X3 and downloaded that. It worked and now that problem is solved. Thank you very much.

What happened was that Version 11 went to paint as the new default and I was not acquainted with that program. You said that I can run both, so I am keeping both in case I want to learn about paint. What program do you prefer?

I am also working with Microsoft on other problems that I have with their new download. In the process I just learned how to capture and print the screen. So I will use this knew knowledge here with one more PhotoImpact problem. Please let me know if I should enter a new query.

It is not very clear, so if I can, I will try to send it as an attachment in PhotoImpact. Notice that the 3 first pictures are in a view icon format and all the others are with thumbnails. This also just started when I did the new MS download. I was hopping that the problem would have gone away when I downloaded X3.

What happens is that now every time I scan and save a picture or if I save one from my e-mail, it saves it with an icon verses and not as a thumbnail. I hope that this is an easy fix.

Thanks for all your help, Janet
PS: I guess that the image did not print here even if it is on my original and I don't see where I can make an attachment of it. You have prints on your response, so I am sure there is a way. One more thing for this 72 year old lady to learn about.

[sjj1805]

Janet,
72
I hope that the lengthy response didn't confuse you - I try to show my source where possible so that other users following this thread are able to use this method to add other programs to Windows Explorer.

The only important part that you need are these links:

PhotoImpact 11.
http://www.steve-jones.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/pi11.reg

PhotoImpact X3:
http://www.steve-jones.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/pix3.reg

These are "ready made fixes" - you just need to download them.
If you are using internet explorer to read this then just click on the link(s) and select "Run" when prompted - the rest is automatic.
If you are viewing this with Firefox then you need to right click the link(s) and select "Save Link As" - accept the name it suggests and save it onto your desktop. Once downloaded just click on it and again the rest is automatic.

Your other problem would be better placed in a new thread.
To paste an image on this forum.
1. To capture the screen simply press the [PrtSc] key on the keyboard.
2. Open PhotoImpact and then select Edit | paste as new image.
3. Now save the image with File | Save As - choose a GIF image.
(GIF is best where a picture has less than 256 colours, JPG is best where there are more than 256 colours - as a guide this means photographs should be saved as JPG and most other things as GIF)
4. You now have to put it onto the internet somewhere. The way I do it is to use a free service http://www.imageshack.us/
This particular site will actually create the correct code for you to copy and paste into your post on this forum.

[rctfdd]

Thanks for solving this problem for me. Janet