NoFileAssociate Entry
Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
| Data type | Range | Default value |
|---|---|---|
REG_DWORD |
0 | 1 |
1 (Terminal Services systems) 0 (All other Windows Server 2003 systems) |
Description
Disables the buttons on the File Types tab. As a result, users can view file type associations, but they cannot add, delete, or change them.
The File Types tab shows which programs open when a type of file is double-clicked. The file types are represented by their file name extension.
| Value | Meaning |
|---|---|
0 |
Users can add, delete, and change file type associations. |
1 |
Users cannot add, delete, or change file type associations. |
By disabling this tab, you might prevent malicious users from creating an association that starts a risky or destructive program. Also, users cannot use the buttons on the File Types tab to create less productive associations, such as associating the .doc file type with Wordpad instead of Microsoft Word. This is a particular risk on multi-user systems, such as Terminal Services clients.
This entry does not exist in the registry by default. You can add it by using the registry editor Regedit.exe.
Notes
Although this entry is located in the Policies\Explorer subkey, it is not associated with a Group Policy setting. You can create a policy by adding this entry to an Administrative Templates file. For more information on creating custom .adm files, see Windows Server 2003 Help or Windows XP Professional Help.
This entry applies to all users of the computer. To set this entry for particular users, use Explorer\NoFileAssociate in the HKCU subtree. If the settings of these entries conflict, the setting in HKCU takes precedence over the setting in HKLM.
Caution
- This entry specifies only whether buttons on the File Types tab in Folder Options are available. Any other method of changing file type associations is unaffected by this entry.