removing programs from the "open with" menu

[imaboutaquit]

hello, anyone know how to remove the entries offered to open programs when right clicking a file such as mpeg etc... there is a list a mile long built up now and some do not even apply. thanks

 

[redduc900]

Clear Dynamic "Open With" Lists

When you right click on a file in Windows XP, one of your options is Open With. This listing of programs contains some that are predefined and some that are added because you chose a program that wasn't on the list. Over time this list can build up to quite a number of programs.

Clear Open With Lists will allow you to selectively remove the "dynamic" portion of this list for a file extension that you choose (from a list). Or, if you prefer, you can remove all "dynamic" entries for all file extensions

Download Clear Open With Lists here...

http://www.dougknox.com/xp/utils/OpenWithClear.zip

 

[Cowboy Shane]

While redduc900's linked program will clear the list, if you want to manually edit the list of applications that appear in the "Open With" list, you will need to go into your registry.

Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExts

Select the key that mathes the extension you want to edit (say .doc).
Click the plus.
Choose the OpenWithList key.
Delete any you don't want there.