Solved Unable to associate file with pinned icon

[jimtalbert]

This is my first post so please forgive me if I've put it in the wrong place. I have a desktop shortcut icon for a program that opens a specified file along with opening the program. When I drag that icon to pin it to the taskbar, the icon changes and the file is no longer associated with it. I must right-click the icon and then choose the file from the dropdown list. I would like for the pinned icon to be just like the desktop shortcut icon and to work just like it does.

 

[Ztruker]

Instead of drag, what happens if you right click on the Icon and select Pin to Taskbar?

Also, right click on the icon on the Desktop and select Properties. See what is in the Target field. Repeat for the one on the Taskbar. They should be the same.

 

[jimtalbert]

Thanks Ztrucker. Here are the results of your suggested actions:

"Instead of drag, what happens if you right click on the Icon and select Pin to Taskbar?"

I right-clicked on the icon but there was no 'Pin to Taskbar' option to select.

"Also, right click on the icon on the Desktop and select Properties. See what is in the Target field. Repeat for the one on the Taskbar. They should be the same."

I right-clicked on the icon but the icon on the task bar does not have a Properties selection.

(Maybe I should have specified I'm using Windows 7 64 bit Home Premium.)

 

[Ztruker]

I don't have any other ideas as I use Quick launch instead of the default taskbar setup with my Win 7 Pro X64 system.

 

[jimtalbert]

Thanks for trying! It obviously isn't a critical problem but I hate not to be able to make the machine do what I want!

 

[boohbah]

try finding it in your all programs list in the start menu and see if right clicking it gives you the pin to taskbar option , if so it may open the other file also.

 

[Layback Bear]

I would start fresh. Remove icon on desktop and taskbar. Start/All programs/pick your program and right click. Send to desktop and pin to taskbar.

 

[jimtalbert]

Thanks, Bear. I tried that but still no luck. Very strange situation...

 

[Layback Bear]

Lets see if Windows system files need a little help.
Start Orb and type sfc /scannow. This is Windows 7 way of checking it's own files and repairing them. Can't harm but might help. Here is a Tutorial.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1538-sfc-scannow-command-system-file-checker.html

 

[boohbah]

try a sfc scan

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1538-sfc-scannow-command-system-file-checker.html

 

[jimtalbert]

I haven't given up on this but am reluctant to let it reset all of my IE9 options and then have to try to remember what they wereto get them back.

 

[jimtalbert]

I will have to work up the courage to run the sfc scan. I don't know a simple way to recover my IE9 settings and/or others which may be lost in this process.

 

[Slartybart]

Try it the other way around.
Make a shortcut to the file you want to open and pin that to the taskbar.
If the filetype is associated with your program, the program should open the file referenced by the shortcut.

 

[Slartybart]

Well, not exactly what you wanted when I tested.

If you drag the file to the taskbar, it creates a pin to the program with a quick pick to the file. You don't need the shortcut - just pin the file.

Does that help?

 

[jimtalbert]

Pinning the file has the same result as pinning the shortcut to the program & file. Only the icon (different one than the one on the desktop associated with the file) pins. When I click on it, I get a dialog box containing the name of the file and I have to select that in order to open the program and the file. I can do that but it just frosts me that I can't beat the blasted PC and/or Windows 7 on this one. I've emailed the author of the program for help.

 

[Slartybart]

Alrighty then - this seems to do what you want.

Create a shortcut to the file you want to pin
Customize the icon to your suiting
change the properties of the shortcut to include the full path of the application
target: "fullpath\someapp.exe" "fullpath\somefile.xxx"
<edit--> make sure that there is a space between the two parameters

This worked for me and it kept the icon - thanks for making me figure this out.

good luck

 

[Ztruker]

If you reset IE9 it will be like you just installed it. I doubt there are many settings changes you have made that are not easily redone. One thing it will do is get rid of any Add-ons that should not be there, mostly hitch hikers from other software you have installed.

 

[Layback Bear]

Check you Windows Up Dates. Their is a fairly big one for I.E. security. When I installed it I.E. 9 worked better. In my opinion it's worth a shot. I agree that most of I.E. problems come because of add ons.

 

[Slartybart]

SFC? Windows Update? Reset IE9?.........Really??

Jim wants to create a shortcut on his taskbar that opens a particular file. Not open the file from a pinned program's jumplist. Jim also wants to be able to customize the icon for that pinned item.

At least that's how I understand the 1st post.

.....
I have a desktop shortcut icon for a program that opens a specified file along with opening the program.

When I drag that icon to pin it to the taskbar, the icon changes and the file is no longer associated with it.

I must right-click the icon and then choose the file from the dropdown list.

I would like for the pinned icon to be just like the desktop shortcut icon and to work just like it does.

---

I tried it a few different ways the one that worked for me is:

.....
Create a shortcut to the file you want to pin
Customize the icon to your suiting
change the properties of the shortcut to include the full path of the application
target: "fullpath\someapp.exe" "fullpath\somefile.xxx"
.....

 

[Slartybart]

BTW Jim,

SFC is a good tool when you need it. Don't be afraid of well tested tools.

Keeping your system up-to-date with Windows Update(WU) is highly recommended. Note that I do not, by design, get hardware update through WU.

Resetting IE is good advice when the thing isn't working and you've tried just about everything else. But this isn't your issue.

Bill
.