Vista defaults

For more information, see Default Programs. For instance, an application might need to check whether it is the default program. The IApplicationAssociationRegistration interface provides methods to do this. Any application that wants to claim defaults must first ask the user and never claim defaults without permission.

The user should be asked whether they want to make the application the default or leave the current default in place. There should also be an option not to be asked this question again after the user has made their choice. This section provides some application compatibility tips related to the Default Programs experience in Windows.

With the user account control UAC environment, applications should always run with only standard user rights for the best customer experience.

For security reasons, applications with a standard user privilege level are blocked from writing to certain parts of the registry and to certain system files. Windows Vista and later versions of Windows provide a temporary application compatibility AppCompat layer to help applications make the transition. Blocked attempts to write to the registry or to system files are "virtualized" so that the application continues to run, but the sensitive areas of the system are not altered.

However, applications should not rely on the AppCompat technology as a long-term solution. Instead, applications should use the many available tools to verify that they can run successfully under standard user rights. Some reprogramming of the application might be required to accomplish this, but it should be done in the interest of long-term compatibility. Its purpose is to provide an automated method to make older programs with compatibility issues work better.

The PCA monitors programs for known issues. If an issue is detected, it notifies the user of the problem and offers to apply effective solutions before the user runs the program again. To avoid seeing these warnings or blocks, ISVs should use the many available tools to ensure that their applications are compatible with Windows Vista, Windows 7, and later.

The Default Programs infrastructure is not available on any Windows operating system before Windows Vista. Therefore, when applications move to the new Default Programs infrastructure, they should retain their older application-defaults code to maintain compatibility with older versions of Windows.

An application should run an operating system version check as part of its installation to determine which application-defaults code to run. To support an upgrade from Windows XP to Windows Vista or later, applications should add all the registry entries required for Default Programs even when they are installing on a computer running Windows XP.

The registration will have no effect on a computer running Windows XP, but if the computer is later upgraded, the application will be already registered and able to take advantage of the framework. Best Practices for File Associations. Skip to main content. This browser is no longer supported. Download Microsoft Edge More info. Contents Exit focus mode. Is this page helpful? Please rate your experience Yes No. Any additional feedback? Important This topic does not apply for Windows Note The Quick Launch bar is no longer available as of Windows 7.

Note As of Windows 8, the system handles this procedure on behalf of all applications. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Cookie Settings. Learn why people trust wikiHow. Download Article Explore this Article methods. Tips and Warnings. Related Articles. Author Info Last Updated: September 16, Method 1. Select the radio button next to the restore point for which you want your computer restored.

You can either choose the restore point recommended by Windows, or choose a different restore point. Method 2. Click on the Start menu, then click on the arrow next to the Lock icon. Click on the name of the operating system you want repaired. Select the restoration point to which you want your computer restored. Method 3.

Power on your Windows Vista computer. Press the F8 key repeatedly as your computer boots up. The Advanced Boot Options menu will display on-screen. If the Advanced Boot Options menu does not display, restart your computer and continue to press F8 repeatedly before the Windows logo displays on-screen. Select your username from the dropdown menu and type your Windows Vista password. Choose the restoration point to which you want the state of your computer restored.

Method 4. Insert your Windows Vista Installation disc into the disc drive of your computer. Method 5. Disconnect all non-essential external peripherals from your computer.

Examples of non-essential external peripherals are printers, flash drives, and scanners. Any content of an adult theme or inappropriate to a community web site.

Any image, link, or discussion of nudity. Any behavior that is insulting, rude, vulgar, desecrating, or showing disrespect. Any behavior that appears to violate End user license agreements, including providing product keys or links to pirated software. Unsolicited bulk mail or bulk advertising. Any link to or advocacy of virus, spyware, malware, or phishing sites.

Any other inappropriate content or behavior as defined by the Terms of Use or Code of Conduct. Any image, link, or discussion related to child pornography, child nudity, or other child abuse or exploitation. As the computer restarts, press the F8 key until the Advanced Boot Options menu appears on the screen.

And you need to know the "bit" version for Vista, as 32bit and 64bit Editions come on different DVDs. And once the Operating System is installed, go to your Computer Manufacturer's website and obtain the latest Drivers for your particular Model Computer or Laptop.

You have to go through them, but lately a lot of posters have been referred back to here by them when using phone activation.