Default apps options limited for some file types

[brianwall]

I know it might be strange, but I like to open nfo files in Notepad and also a few other types of text file with unusual extensions. However trying to change the default simply shows the default or tells me to find an app in the store with no option to search my PC for software.

Not a biggy but odd.

Also when build 16188 was updated some but not all of my default apps were over-ridden.

 

[Regedit32]

Hi Brian,

What you see there is controlled by the Registry.

Attached are two files:

1. .nfo-ShellNew.reg
2. .nfo-original.reg

If you'd like the choice to select Notepad, Wordpad, etcetera then:

• Download .nfo-ShellNew.reg
• Scan for virus before using
• When satisfied its secure, right-click and select Merge
• When prompted, click Yes then Yes again, then OK
• Close any open programs and restart computer

If later you change your mind about this modification:

• Download .nfo-original.reg
• Scan for virus before using
• When satisfied its secure, right-click and select Merge
• When prompted, click Yes then Yes again, then OK
• Close any open programs and restart computer
• After restarting computer click Start > Settings > Apps then in left pane select Default apps
• Click the Reset button

Sample image

​

Regards,

Regedit32

 

[brianwall]

Hi Brian,

What you see there is controlled by the Registry.

Attached are two files:

1. .nfo-ShellNew.reg
2. .nfo-original.reg

If you'd like the choice to select Notepad, Wordpad, etcetera then:

• Download .nfo-ShellNew.reg
• Scan for virus before using
• When satisfied its secure, right-click and select Merge
• When prompted, click Yes then Yes again, then OK
• Close any open programs and restart computer

If later you change your mind about this modification:

• Download .nfo-original.reg
• Scan for virus before using
• When satisfied its secure, right-click and select Merge
• When prompted, click Yes then Yes again, then OK
• Close any open programs and restart computer
• After restarting computer click Start > Settings > Apps then in left pane select Default apps
• Click the Reset button

Sample image

View attachment 5651
​

Regards,

Regedit32

 

[brianwall]

Great, will try that thanks. Strange Win10 makes these assumptions though.

 

[Regedit32]

Not so unusual really.

.nfo files simply contain System information.

Typing msinfo32 in your Run dialog and clicking OK will read these files into a simple GUI for easy display of the information. Normally, you'd do that to solve a conflict, or perhaps just out of curiosity.

The Microsoft Store also offers an app called NFO Viewer, and of course Windows 10 comes ready with System Information app which is the same as running MSINFO32.

The notepad can be used to read these files, but its a lot easier to read the information in a GUI interface in my opinion.

 

[brianwall]

Yes, but nfo was just one example and sometimes the nfo file is used in other ways not intended by MS. None of this explains why MS made a decision to not allow other software to open these files when they are quite capable. And I don't use Notepad but notepad++ or EditPad.