Set Default App

Question

Set Default App

OSVBNET 1,401

Hello experts,
Reading about the default app registration structure:

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/shell/default-programs

Seems GUID and CLSID are the same, I just found that CLSID is for COM objects, so for .NET assemblies.

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT :: Vendor.App.1 :: Do I need to create CLSID key even if the app is not COM object based at all and is pure .NET assembly?
Or I should create GUID instead of CLSID?

Not using any installer for now, maybe use InstallShield if I find too much difficulties later...
Thanks :)

Junjie Zhu - MSFT 21,746 Reputation points

2022-07-12T09:07:12.727+00:00

Hi, @OSVBNET Is there any progress? Did my answer help you? If you still have questions, you can ask me.
OSVBNET 1,401 Reputation points

2022-07-14T16:03:07.24+00:00

Hello, thanks indeed, I use these keys to register my app:

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT.ext\shell\open\command]
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes.ext\shell\open\command]
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes.ext\shell\open\command]

Assuming that .ext is not used by other apps, it will work just fine, but if it's in use by another app, mine will not register, it seems the shell method is the least effective one? :(
Junjie Zhu - MSFT 21,746 Reputation points

2022-07-15T01:30:28.15+00:00

Do you consider using RegCreateKeyEx in the windows api to register the key?

1 answer

Your answer

Junjie Zhu - MSFT 21,746 Reputation points

2022-07-12T09:07:12.727+00:00

Hi, @OSVBNET Is there any progress? Did my answer help you? If you still have questions, you can ask me.
OSVBNET 1,401 Reputation points

2022-07-14T16:03:07.24+00:00

Hello, thanks indeed, I use these keys to register my app:

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT.ext\shell\open\command]
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes.ext\shell\open\command]
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes.ext\shell\open\command]

Assuming that .ext is not used by other apps, it will work just fine, but if it's in use by another app, mine will not register, it seems the shell method is the least effective one? :(
Junjie Zhu - MSFT 21,746 Reputation points

2022-07-15T01:30:28.15+00:00

Do you consider using RegCreateKeyEx in the windows api to register the key?

Answer 1

Hello,@OSVBNET
Welcome to Microsoft Q&A!

Yes, GUID and CLSID are the same, CLSID is a GUID that identifies a COM object, their function is the same, just used in different fields.

About what ID HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT needs to be, you can refer to the explanation in the document.

The HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT (HKCR) key contains file name extension associations and COM class registration information such as ProgIDs, CLSIDs, and IIDs. It is primarily intended for compatibility with the registry in 16-bit Windows.

Thank you.

If the answer is the right solution, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".
Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.

Share via

Set Default App

1 answer

Your answer