Install Command Unavailable on .inf File Context Menu

ID: Q145810


The information in this article applies to:

IMPORTANT: This article contains information about editing the registry. Before you edit the registry, make sure you understand how to restore it if a problem occurs. For information about how to do this, view the "Restoring the Registry" Help topic in Regedit.exe or the "Restoring a Registry Key" Help topic in Regedt32.exe.

SYMPTOMS

When you use the right mouse button to click an .inf file, the Install command may not be available on the context menu that appears.


CAUSE

The Install command may not be available if the default association for .inf files is changed from the default value. This is often done by using the right mouse button to click an .inf file while holding down the SHIFT key, selecting a different program to open the .inf file, and then selecting the "Always use this program to open this type of file" check box.


RESOLUTION

WARNING: Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that problems resulting from the incorrect use of Registry Editor can be solved. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

For information about how to edit the registry, view the "Changing Keys And Values" Help topic in Registry Editor (Regedit.exe) or the "Add and Delete Information in the Registry" and "Edit Registry Data" Help topics in Regedt32.exe. Note that you should back up the registry before you edit it. If you are running Windows NT, you should also update your Emergency Repair Disk (ERD).


To enable the Install command for .inf files, use any one of the following methods:



If "Setup Information" does not appear in the Registered File Types box a new one must be made. To make a new "Setup Information" File type:

  1. Delete the .inf key in the following registry key:


    HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT


  2. Start Windows Explorer, click Options on the View menu, and then click the File Types tab.


  3. In the Registered File Types box, click Setup Information, and then click Edit.


  4. Click New, type &Install in the Action box, and then type the following line in the Application Used To Perform Action box:

    
    c:\windows\rundll.exe setupx.dll,InstallHinfSection DefaultInstall 132 


  5. Click New, type Open in the Action box, and then type the following line in the Application Used To Perform Action box:

    
    c:\windows\notepad.exe 


  6. Click New, type Print in the Action box, and then type the following line in the Application Used To Perform Action box:

    
    c:\windows\notepad.exe /p 


  7. Click OK, and then click Close.


Additional query words: missing


Keywords          : kbui win95 win98 
Version           : WINDOWS:95
Platform          : WINDOWS 
Issue type        : kbprb 

Last Reviewed: February 6, 1999