Log in

View Full Version : Found a subtle file association-related bug in Resco File Explorer – here's the fix


Menneisyys
03-14-2006, 09:30 AM
Unfortunately, the traditional way of associating file extensions with applications is broken in Resco File Explorer (tested in both the latest (5.35) version and in 5.21). That is, if you tap-and-hold a, say, PDF file, choose Open/Open With... from the context menu (http://www.winmobiletech.com/032006RescoFileAssocBug/PDFAssociation-1.bmp.png), choose Adobe Reader 2 from the list and also make sure the "Always use this program to open this file type" is also checked (http://www.winmobiletech.com/032006RescoFileAssocBug/PDFAssociation-2.bmp.png), the association created this way will be flaky because if you click a PDF file that has spaces in its name (or the directory it is contained in), Acrobat Reader won't be able to open it (http://www.winmobiletech.com/032006RescoFileAssocBug/aDOBEaSSOCeRROR.bmp.png).

This is because in the Registry, HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\ pdffile\Shell\ Open\Command (http://www.winmobiletech.com/032006RescoFileAssocBug/PDFAssociation-12.bmp.png) won't have " (quote) marks before and after the %1 parameter - they must be manually inserted (http://www.winmobiletech.com/032006RescoFileAssocBug/PDFAssociation-14.bmp.png).

Unfortunately, file association doesn't work when done via the Browse button either (see this (http://www.winmobiletech.com/032006RescoFileAssocBug/PDFAssociation-6.bmp.png) and this (http://www.winmobiletech.com/032006RescoFileAssocBug/PDFAssociation-7.bmp.png) screenshots).

To fix this problem, after you've associated a file with Resco File Explorer, fire up a registry editor and

* open the HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT branch and scroll down until you see the given file extension (in this case, .pdf (http://www.winmobiletech.com/032006RescoFileAssocBug/PDFAssociation-9.bmp.png))
* read the word after (Default); in this cause, it's pdffile
* now, still under HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT, scroll down to the registry key named after the string you've just read; that is, HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\pdffile (http://www.winmobiletech.com/032006RescoFileAssocBug/PDFAssociation-10.bmp.png)
* open its sub-tree entirely so that you can step into Command (http://www.winmobiletech.com/032006RescoFileAssocBug/PDFAssociation-11.bmp.png)
* click (Default) (http://www.winmobiletech.com/032006RescoFileAssocBug/PDFAssociation-12.bmp.png) (highlighted in the screenshot)
* scroll to the end of the textfield (where the %1 is) (http://www.winmobiletech.com/032006RescoFileAssocBug/PDFAssociation-13.bmp.png)
* insert " marks before and after %1 (http://www.winmobiletech.com/032006RescoFileAssocBug/PDFAssociation-14.bmp.png)
* click OK and Yes (http://www.winmobiletech.com/032006RescoFileAssocBug/PDFAssociation-15.bmp.png)

Note that this tutorial can be used with not only PDF (Adobe Acrobat) files but also any kind of files that you have similar problems with. Then, the two subkey names under HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT will be, naturally, different. Also note that you can do the above with any registry editor (all of them are capable of simple value editing); please see also this registry editor roundup (http://www.pocketpcmag.com/blogs/menneisyys/UltimateRoundupOfRegistryEditors.asp) for more information on these editors if not sure.

On WM5 devices, you will additionally want to completely shut down (and then, just restart) your Pocket PC so that the changes are flushed to the storage memory (and, if you're not lucky, don't just go away upon the next soft reset). On many devices (like the HTC Wizard), long-pressing the Power button will do this. On other devices like the Dell Axim x51v, long-pressing the Power button will just dim the screen. On those devices, you'll need to explicitly allow for the complete shutdown in Settings/System/Power/Power Button. Just enable the "Full power off" radio button (http://www.winmobiletech.com/kuvat/x51vFullPowerOff.bmp.png) there.

Note that this problem only affects few programs; for example, Adobe Acrobat Reader. Most work just OK without the " marks – perhaps this is why the Resco people haven't run into this problem as yet.

Janak Parekh
03-14-2006, 04:39 PM
I presume you're reported this to Resco. :)

--janak

Menneisyys
03-14-2006, 04:56 PM
I presume you're reported this to Resco. :)

--janak

Sure!