Can you register an application that didn't have an installer, i.e. an application that you simply unpacked from a zip file, so that it can be accessed from Explorer? I want to the unobtrusive Audacious to be the main sound player on my audio workstation, but since it wasn't installed from an installer, Explorer doesn't offer it as an option for opening sound files.
Yes.. use Open With.
Simply rt click on a file with the extension you wish to associate with your program.
Click Open With.
Now make sure you keep scrolling down until you get to Choose another app, More apps...
Look for another app => browse to your program
Tick the 'Always use...' check box
The icon for that file should change (assuming you started with a view showing icons)
N.B. A very useful utility for installing programs in a zip file with no installer (you can always zip it to do this of course if necessary) is
Zipinstaller (free)
by nirsofer.
This will 'install' it- i.e. create a start menu folder, an uninstall shortcut and entry, and place the program where you want.
'Open with' doesn't work because the app doesn't have any entries in the registry because of the way it was installed.
I should say though that I found a way round my own problem by installing a different application that has the functionality I need, but maybe someone else will find useful if someone does know the answer.
It does.. as I described, using Open With, you browse to the exe of the (portable program) and select it.
Using Open With like that you have to do exactly all the stages. Not just hope to find your prog listed- it won't be.
I used a portable program Photodemon recently and did just that. No registry entries.
Oh I see. The option to choose an app on the PC is buried quite a long way down, which is why I couldn't find it. Thanks for your help.
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