Opening an Image File Does Not Display the Image (259444)

IMPORTANT: This article contains information about modifying the registry. Before you modify the registry, make sure to back it up and make sure that you understand how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For information about how to back up, restore, and edit the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

256986 Description of the Microsoft Windows Registry

SYMPTOMS

When you double-click an image file (such as a .jpg, .gif, or .bmp image file), the image is not displayed and the Open With dialog box does not appear. When you remove and then reinstall any third-party software that is associated with the files, the problem is not resolved.

CAUSE

The registry entries for the affected image file types are incorrect or damaged. This can occur if you removed third-party software that was associated with the files, or you reinstalled Windows 98.

RESOLUTION

WARNING: If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

You must modify the appropriate registry entries before you reinstall the third-party software.

.gif Files

Key: Hkey_Classes_Root\.gif
Value: default
Data: "giffile"

.jpg Files

Key: Hkey_Classes_Root\.jpg
Value: default
Data: "jpegfile"

.bmp Files

Key: Hkey_Classes_Root\.bmp
Value: default
Data: "Paint.Picture"

MORE INFORMATION

Invalid or damaged file association data in the registry may cause problems with file association, and you may not receive an error message.