Solved .VMCX files not associated

[Morality124]

I have a strange problem. I am unable to open my Virtual Machine (.VMCX) files from the Virtual Machines folder. I can change the VM settings, and can view other details, but I can't actually open them. I can still open XP mode from the start menu shortcut.

Is there someway to fix this short of reinstalling VirtualPC? :S

 

[Kari]

Could you please provide a screenshot showing XP Mode.vmcx file's properties, general tab (right click the file, choose properties).

Kari

 

[Morality124]

Here we are:

 

[Kari]

OK, I think the issue is solved.

Click that Change button, after Open with: Windows Shell Common. This windows opens:



Click Browse, choose VMWindow.exe file from C:\Windows\System32, and click Open:



http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/12196-open-change-default-program.html

You are now back in the window in the first image above. Make sure you have chosen "Always use the selected program to open this kind of file".

Click OK to close the window, click OK to close Properties window. It should now work.

Kari

 

[Morality124]

That fixed it, thanks.

Just to clean it up a little, what would be the correct description, icon, and anything else related to this filetype?

 

[Kari]

You are welcome.

The vmcx file type is Virtual Machine Shell Information, official description is Virtual Machine description and registration settings. It's a script (text) file that can be edited in Notepad. When you run the script, the shortcut asks Windows to execute VMwindow.exe (Virtual PC) from %SystemRoot%\system32\ (systemroot by default is C:\Windows\).

VMwindows.exe reads then the vmcx script to open correct vhd and check everything needed to run a virtual machine. This phase is very similar than a BIOS POST (Power-On-Self-Test) on physical computers.

More about editing vmcx file in this tutorial: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/21904-virtual-xp-machine-copy.html?ltr=V

Default icon:



Kari