Windows 10: How to Change Default Programs in Registry

Hi,


I'm trying to change the default program for opening .txt files to notepad++ in Windows 10. When I go to the normal Default Programs in "Settings", there is no option for notepad++ and I can't find anything in the store. So I figured that left me with the registry.


So I know enough to navigate to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\.txt\ShellNew. Listed is ItemName of Type REG_EXPAND_SZ and the Data column has @%SystemRoot%\system32\notepad.exe, -470. Then there is another key named NullFile of Type REG_SZ with no data.


I'm assuming I would change the Data column for the ItemName key to @%SystemRoot%\Program Files x86\Notepad++\Notepad.exe. However, I have two questions:


1. What is the -470 in the notepad data column and what would I have to put for notepad++?


2. Would I have to change anything in the NullFile key?


Thanks,

Michael

:)

 

Are my Registry Files all legitimate programs?

Isn't there a web tool whereby I can check if programs listed in my REGISTRY FILES are legitimate programs?

 

Change default drive: How do I change the default drive that my system will install programs on?

Hi Ed,

Thank you for posting your query in Microsoft Community. I understand the inconvenience caused to you and will assist you in solving the issue.

In order to change the default installation directory, please change the following in the registry.

• Press Windows key + X, type regedit and press Enter.
• Locate the following: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion
• Right click on the value named ProgramFilesDir & change the default value
  C:\Program Files to the path you want to install all your programs in.
• Click OK and Exit.

Windows, by default, will now install your programs in the new drive or path.

Note: This section, method, or task contains steps that tell you how to modify the registry. However, serious problems might occur
if you modify the registry incorrectly. Therefore, make sure that you follow these steps carefully. For added protection, back up the registry before you modify it. Then, you can restore the registry if a problem occurs. For more information about how to back
up and restore the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

322756 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/322756/ )

How to back up and restore the registry in Windows

Hope the information is helpful. Keep us posted on the status for further assistance.

 

Recent (Save Files) - Change Default Settings to OneDrive

Hello -
Thanks for the return. Before I undertake changing the Registry, I have a question.
The steps in my Registry, for my version of Windows 10, were a bit different, but I think I eventually got to the right spot.
The last step is to change the number of places you want to list in Recent Places. In my case, the default Max Display listed 50 as the number. So, if I were to change that number, how do I know the Save As page will be one of those places? Or, a similar question, will this registry change delete the tab Recent from my Save As page? This is what I would like to happen.
When I received my computer in Nov. 2016, the Recent tab was not listed in the Save As page. Something caused it to be added over time. Which brings me to this second question. Would there be any benefit in deleting the changed registry listing and reverting back to the default listing? See attachment.
Jerry