Binary Expressions

Introduction

In Windows XP the Windows Picture and Fax Viewer is set as the default image viewer for many file types. Unfortunately there is no Windows interface that provides you the ability to disable or change this applications file associations. Follow the below steps to remove this applications association so one may use a much better alternative application such as XnView.

There is two different solutions to choice from. One is a completely manual solution and the other is a simple registry patch that does it all in one step. It’s your choice and at your own risk. I would recommend strongly to backup your Windows registry just in case.

Registry Patch Solution

• Download registry patch to a temporary location, such as the Windows Desktop.
• Left mouse double click on the registry patch file.
• A dialog will appear. Left mouse click on “Yes” to allow the registry patch to be applied.
• The installation should now be complete and in effect immediately (reboot not required).

Manual Solution

• Run the Registry Editor, Start Menu -> Run -> enter without quotes “regedit” and press enter.
• Navigate to \HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\ SystemFileAssociations\ image\ ShellEx\ ContextMenuHandlers.
• Delete the ShellImagePreview key.
• Navigate to \HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\ CLSID\ {e84fda7c-1d6a-45f6-b725-cb260c236066}\ shellex.
• Delete the MayChangeDefaultMenu key.
• Close the Registry Editor when you’re done; the change will take effect immediately.

If at any time you wish to restore Windows Picture and Fax Viewer as the default viewer you may restore your registry backup or follow the “Registry Patch Solution” instructions above but us this registry patch file instead.