Incorrect file association and Start>All Programs

Hi,

(1)  I was fiddling on my computer and associated .pf files with an incorrect program to open them.  Does anyone know how to reverse this association (without having to purchase any additional software)? 

(2)  I downloaded a program from the Internet, but it will not show under Start>All Programs.  What should I do to get it to show under the Start menu and All Programs? 

Thank you very much in advance!

(1)  I was fiddling on my computer and associated .pf files with an incorrect program to open them.  Does anyone know how to reverse this association (without having to purchase any additional software)? 

You haven't told us what version of Windows you're using so I will assume XP.
Find a PDF file.
Press and hold the shift key while you right click the file.
Select Open With --> Choose Program...
Select the software you use to open PDF files in the list and check the box called "Always use the selected program to open this kind of file"
Press OK.
File association should be fixed then.

(2)  I downloaded a program from the Internet, but it will not show under Start>All Programs.  What should I do to get it to show under the Start menu and All Programs? 

That kind of hard to say without knowing more about the program. The only generic advice I can offer is to drag the program's executable to the start menu. This should create a shortcut.

(2)  I downloaded a program from the Internet, but it will not show under Start>All Programs.  What should I do to get it to show under the Start menu and All Programs? 

Did actually install the program?  Downloading, alone, is not going to install the program so that it appears on your Programs menu and is ready to function.

Note to question (2) - I cannot install the program unless I register it first, but in order to register it, I need to get to the register prompt which I’m unable to access since it would have only been accessible under Start>All Programs.  I tried opening the downloaded program numerous times but the boxes would close after a few seconds probably because I need to register it first.   My downloaded software is a video converter.  I am using Window XP.   Thanks again.   

Think about it, do your last comments really make sense?  Would a software developer design their software in such a way that you can't install it until you register it but the only way you can register it is to have it on your Programs menu so that you can initiate registration from there?  [Note: again, you need to install a program to get it on your programs menu and use it.]  Clearly, the answer is no. 

The normal situation is that you install the software and then have to register it before you can have full use of it.  Or, the registration may be part of the installation procedure, where you're prompted during installation to register the product.  As I said in my previous post, "Downloading, alone, is not going to install the program so that it appears on your Programs menu and is ready to function."

soybean, i understand what you're saying.  however, the reason i assumed that i must have to register it first is that when i tried setting it up, the dialog boxes won't stay open for longer than two seconds.  so i just assumed (as you've pointed out my assumption is incorrect) that it's probably due to my not having registered it.  so i guess my question then should be why do the setup dialog boxes keep closing on me?  Would you  have any idea?  (I tried to get help from the vendor, but the process has been quite slow.)  Anyway, thanks again.

[Moderator]

What "mystery" program might this be ? ?

okay, i've tried to avoid mentioning the name of the product since i think i must have screwed up something...but it's avs video tools.  could i be missing a component?  please bear with my stupid assumptions since i'm really grabbing at straws.  and thanks!

http://www.avsmedia.com/OnlineHelp/VideoTools/index.aspx confirms what I've said.  First, download it, then install it.  When you initiate the download, if given the choice to Save, or Run, choose Save, and make note of where it's being saved so that you know where to find the file to initiate download by double clicking on it. 

As far as dialog boxes that may appear during installation, we don't know for sure that you're supposed to see any dialog boxes.  It depends on the program.  What happens after those dialog boxes you noticed disappear?  Does the installation appear to proceed to completion, as evidenced by the program being added to your Programs menu, to the Add or Remove Programs list in Control Panel, and perhaps a shortcut being added to your desktop?

The program is represented by an icon in the folder I downloaded it to.  I double-clicked on it to open it, however, the setup dialog boxes would close in seconds.  For example, the first setup dialog box would be to set up language used.  In a matter of seconds, the dialog box would close and there would be no further display of other dialog boxes, therefore, the setup process has actually come to a stop.  Also, as I’ve indicated in my original question, I should see the program under the Start menu, All Programs, but I don’t.  Thanks again.

i've read the responses a few times.  you're saying that if i don't see the program showing under the start menu, then it means that i didn't install the program.  i've been saying that when i double-clicked on it (the downloaded file) to open it, the setup wizard keeps closing.  it's as i've explained in my message immediately above this one.  why do these boxes keep closing?  and no, when they close, there is no continuation of the set up process.  thanks.

[Malware Removal Specialist]

Just some thoughts.

Did you download this from the AVS site? It's not a torrent....

Do you have all of the updates from Windows Update?

Do you have DirectX 9.0c or later?

Has this ever happened before?

Use the Secunia Software Inspector to see if "something" may be outdated that is causing this.

no, i've never had such a problem...i will try your suggestions. thank you. by the way, what is a torrent?

[Malware Removal Specialist]

what is a torrent?

Usually (not always) a way to download commercial software for free (illegally) They often contain some form of spyware, virus and trojans.

initially, i had downloaded the trial version.  the trial version did work.  a number of months after, i decided to purchase the product.  i downloaded whatever they had on their site.  it's what i'm having problems with.  thanks!

[Moderator]

Have you un-installed the Trial ver. using Add/Remove Programs in Control Panel ? ?

when i go to the add or remove programs, there is nothing from avs showing there and so i'm going to assume that at one point i must have.  thanks.