corel graphics suite x7 registration/default problem

As a long time user of Corel Graphics Suites, I have adjusted to their quirks and foibles - all software has 'em, corel no worse than anyone else - and I appreciate the quality and ease of use in adjusting photo parameters.
However, my inability to designate Corel Photo-Paint as the default program to open JPEG files is very irritating.
I have read and tried every solution on the forum including downloading two recommended software possibilities to no avail.
I have changed every default setting that applies to JPEG's that I can find. When viewed all show cpt as the default, including the open with window.
For some reason, if I set coreldraw as the default to open JPEG's, it works - no problem. However that is not what I need.
I agree that the problem probably lies in the registration area. Somehow, either corel did not properly program in the registration for all its elements or Win 7 pro blocks photo-paint in some fashion.
Unless one or the other of them pays enough attention to the problem to provide a fix, hat leaves only the very sensitive regedit as a possible way to correct the problem.

Does anyone have a working solution that does not require tweaking registration files? Conversely, does anyone have a safe way to tweak registration for JPEG's?

Will appreciate all suggestions.

Thanks for comments.
I am thinking you are correct about switching back to cd6. Seems others have done so without problems.
My corel support person has been very helpful but still no solution.
Suggested I contact Windows support. Yeah. Like that's a possibility ever.

Here is a profile of Corel locations on my Win 7 pc.

CPT is listed in the the open with as default for jpeg.
CPT also is listed under file assoc for any jpg jpeg, jp, tif, tiff as the go to file.
CPT also shows on the right click > properties as the default for any jpeg photo.

In every case, whether > preview or > edit or >open or > open with, jpeg opens in windows photo viewer. Could be it I dump that the problem might fade.

Also start menu > default programs shows no listing for any corel product.

Seems problem has to exist in Corel install/register or Windows registry software.

If CD6 works without problem in Win 7 for anyone then what changed in cd7?

Still hunting and reaching burn stage.

But willing to wait until workweek begins to see what Corel support has devised over the weekend

Hate to think about switching after all these years but there are other photo editing and graphics programs.

This is the text of an email to Corel support. It contains everything I have told them before but also shows I have reached a limit on my patience.
>>Hey, Lenny,

Thanks for replying on a weekend. You gotta have better things to do.

As to the default situation, here is a profile of Corel defaults on my pc.

Corel is listed in the open with window as designated default for jpegs.
Corel shows in bold as designated opener in the properties window for each jpeg.
Corel shows as default association with jpg, jpeg, jpe, tif, and tiff in the file association window

In short Corel is now listed in every default position for opening jpegs. In addition, CPT filter > file association shows jpeg box checked.

However, when I do > start > default programs, Corel program is not listed. And thanks to windows, there is no way to add it, without going into regedit and I do not have the expertise to fiddle with that. The popup windows provide no guidance and I know that anything done there can affect my o/s in some way.

Tomorrow I will get on the line with MS and see what they come up with.

However, I am thinking seriously of doing a full Corel uninstall/reinstall from the disk before that. Can I redo my install by using the serial number that came with the disk or do I need something else?

Here's another question for software writers. Why is it that users who became upset and dropped CGSx7 and went to CGSx6 report no trouble with their x6 installation? Something basic was changed somewhere and Win 7 has been around for awhile. Maybe one of their updates or maybe not them.

If I can't resolve this issue this week, whether through your/my efforts or through Win Support, I will be uninstalling Corel and moving to some other software. While I am not a business user, I depend on CG's for personally designed graphics and correspondence and for photo tweaking. If I can't depend on the software, it has no value to me.

Sorry to have reached the negative side, but that is life.

Thanks again for all your help.

Have a great week.

Lou <<

That says it all. Heck of a thing but the facts are clear. CGSX6 no problem - CGSX7 problem. And it is I who is out the dough and the time.
Tiresome.

Well, I tried. Over several days working with Corel support on default problem, I suggested a complete custom reinstall. They ignored that. So, taking foot in hand, I hopped to it. Custom install worked so far as placing Corel GSx7 as the default in all necessary locations, which did not happen on original install.
However, it still did not show up under 'set default programs' and win pho vur still opens jpeg even though Corel shows as default. Plus CorelDraw will open jpegs without being imported. Never did that in earlier versions.
Next contacted MS support and phone rang 5 min later. Total surprise hearing a human voice Thought things were looking up. WRONG!!
Explained the problem and tech rep suggested either corrupted files left from pre-win 7 pro install or a virus.
Corrupted files? Maybe but NOT from before Win 7 install. Disk was formatted twice. Nothing left.
Deep scans by my security agent showed no virus.
So, much as MS would like to escape responsibility and dump on me, no way.
Then tech rep offered to connect with my machine but wants either $99 for 30 days or $150 for a year. No way I am paying for them to stomp around on my pc and making changes to fix their problem.
Question: since this is not the first time this problem between Corel x7 and Windows 7 has come up over the last year or so, how is it that Win tech reps don't acknowledge that and have a rack of possible fixes to recommend or to send via email?
So now I don't know whether to kick Corel or Window 7 pro. Maybe both. But then I don't know if Win 8 will be any better. So far no problem with it on my laptop but then I don't have Corel on there.

Somebody out there has a solution. Would love to see it.