Have you ever wanted to change which program on your Windows Mobile device handles a certain filetype? Maybe you want all .html files to be opened by Opera for Pocket PC instead of the default pocket IE. For me, it’s because I want all compressed files like .zip and .rar to be opened by PocketRAR instead of the default Zip Utility program. Whatever your reason for wanting to change the registered filetypes, this program will be able to help you with ease.

The Program

myExtension is a freeware that you’ll need for this procedure. It’s a pretty old software that was released in 2004 and even though it was coded for older versions, it works just as well on my WM6 Eten Glofiish X500. It looks like the latest version is 1.2.0 and I doubt there would be any future updates since it works just as well right now. Download here.

Edit

Filetypes with descriptions	And those without

Now that you have the program and installed it, you can easily do the edits you want. Sometimes, you will see an empty description like the screen above, to the left and sometimes you will see a description like the screen to the right. The description is just there for your reference. If you want, you can add, remove or edit the description that you see for better comprehension.

The edit window	And choosing your icon

The same edit window also allows you edit which program and icon to associate with a particular filetype which is just as easily to manipulate. I’m pretty satisfied with the icons I am given so I would not be changing any but if you do not like the default icons (the one with the Windows logo) and want to change it to something more specific, you can do so now.

Not Just For Editing

Editing filetypes is not just the only thing you can do with this application. If a filetype is no longer valid because you have uninstalled the application, then you can remove it just as easily. Just be sure that you have no use for it anymore.

The same goes if you need to add a filetype that is not in the system. No complicated commands or coding is needed. Just know where the program you want to link to is located and you are all set to go.

Backup Before Proceeding

As always, when dealing with system files, back them up before proceeding. While this program has been tried and test hundreds and thousands of times, you never know when it would fail and cause a hard-reset. In that event, wouldn’t you be glad you had a fresh backup?

Other Alternatives

I’ve seen some other programs like DinarSoft’s MemMaid being able to do something similar as well but for those without it or are looking for a simple and free program to change your registered filetypes, myExtensions will serve you well.

How does this application work for you? What are your alternatives?

Tags: free software