Office365 XML Handler doesn't function properly. Error: This file does not have a program associated with it for performing this action.

Question

Dear,

It's come to my attention that the default Office365 XML Handler doesn't function properly.

Software

I'm running Windows 10 1703 and Office 365 version 1803 (Semi-Annual Channel). 

Behaviour

When the "XML Handler" is assigned as the default application for XML files, the following message is displayed when a user wants to open an XML-file. This message is only shown when the 2nd line in the XML file doesn't have any information regarding the application which needs to open.

The expected behaviour is dependant on the 2nd line in the XML file:

• <?mso-application progid="Word.Document"?> ==> Microsoft Word
• <?mso-application progid="Excel.Sheet"?> ==> Microsoft Excel
• Nothing specified ==> Internet Explorer

Analysis

When comparing some systems (C2R vs MSI), it appears that the registry on Office365 ProPlus installations isn't correctly configured.

By Default (not working):

Computer\HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\htmlfile\shell\open\command

• "C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Microsoft Shared*OFFICE14*\MSOXMLED.EXE" /verb open "%1"

Computer\HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\htmlfile\shell\edit\command

• "C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Microsoft Shared*OFFICE14*\MSOXMLED.EXE" /verb edit"%1"

Changed (working):

Computer\HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\htmlfile\shell\open\command

• "C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\vfs\ProgramFilesCommonX64\Microsoft Shared\OFFICE16\MSOXMLED.EXE" /verb open "%1"

Computer\HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\htmlfile\shell\edit\command

• "C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\vfs\ProgramFilesCommonX64\Microsoft Shared\OFFICE16\MSOXMLED.EXE" /verb edit "%1"

This however still doesn't solve the issue that the icon stays blank.

Screenshot on Office 2016 MSI (XML Handler is working correctly)

Screenshot on Office 365 ProPlus (XML Handler is not working correctly out-of-the box. Above changes will open the correct application, but icon still isn't changed)

Could you please provide me feedback if this bug can be resolved?

My business users will thank you.

Answer 1

Thanks for the reply, Justin. We'll move forward with the registry fixes and hopefully MS will fix this in a coming release. You may close this topic if you please. Thanks for the assistance.