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Bypass open with lookup web service

Posted April 2008 by Steve Sinchak

When opening up a file in windows that does not already have a registered file association you are prompted if you would like to specify what file to use to open the file or if you would like to use a web service.  The web service is a great idea for the average computer user but for advanced users, you likely already know what you want to open the file with.

With the help of a registry change you can disable the web service lookup and bypass that screen entirely.  Instead you will be taken directly to the list of applications on your computer you can open the file with.

To get started click on the Start Button and type in regedit to start up registry editor. Then navigate to the key below.

| | | | | --- | | | [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer] | | | NoInternetOpenWith |

Create a DWORD called NoInternetOpenWith and set it to 1.

The next time you use Open With on a file you will be taken directly to the application list.


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