Change Default Editor for Batch Files in Vista - How To

Restoring File Type Editing in Vista

Users transitioning to Vista may have observed the absence of the 'File Types' option, resulting in a lack of native functionality for modifying the default editor associated with various file types. While changing the default application for opening a file remains possible, altering the editor invoked upon right-clicking and selecting 'edit' is not directly supported.

Two methods exist to address this limitation: direct manipulation of the Windows Registry, or the utilization of a dedicated freeware utility. We will detail both approaches.

Using the Registry Hack Method

Initiate the Registry Editor, regedit.exe, via the Start Menu search or the Run dialog box. Navigate to the following registry key:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\batfile\shell\edit\command

Double-click the '(Default)' key to access its properties. Replace the existing path, which typically points to notepad.exe, with the complete path to your desired editor.

Ensure a space is included after the path, followed by %1. This variable dynamically inserts the current filename into the command.

The Simplified Approach with Types

An alternative solution involves employing the freeware and open-source utility, Types. This tool provides a user-friendly interface for modifying file type associations.

Locate the 'bat' extension within the application's list, or filter by the 'batfile' class. Then, access the properties associated with that file type.

The editor can be readily changed by clicking the yellow icon positioned adjacent to the drop-down menu, and subsequently selecting your preferred editor from the displayed options.

This application isn't limited to batch files; it can be used to customize the default editor for any file type on your system.

Types can be downloaded from sourceforge.net.