I have implemented an application that handles a new file type (new
file extension, say .xyz) and I would like to enable Windows to
automatically install that application on machines where a user opens
a file of that type for the very first time. I have seen that
mechanism work for other file types, how to I establish that link
between extension and URL for my installation package? If possible, I
would appreciated as much detail about how it is done as can be found.

Thanks!
Patrick

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Request for Question Clarification by sublime1-ga on 07 Dec 2005 12:33 PST

I think you're seeking to go about this the wrong way.
Most applications install via an .exe file, and then
use the executable to both install the application 
and to register the unique .xyz file type in the 
Windows registry so that application will open the
files of that type.

The .exe extension is used for installations because
it alerts the user that this is an installation of a
program which may make changes to the Windows registry,
such as assigning filetypes. You're bordering on an
unethical behavior to manipulate an installation by
just clicking on an unknown extension.

Some browsers are set up to allow installation 
'on-the-fly' for KNOWN filetypes, but an unknown
extension is another matter entirely.

sublime1-ga

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Clarification of Question by patrickq001-ga on 07 Dec 2005 15:24 PST

Hi Sublime1-ga,

What you write is exactly what my application does when it is
installs. It still leaves the question open what happens when I send
YOU not the application installation package, but a .XYZ file I
created on my machine with that application. Referring to what you
write, I want to submit my application to the list of what you call
"known" applications, so that Windows may search for such a
application on the net when you try to open the .XYZ file on your
machine, without me needing to also send you instructions on where to
install (instructions I may not have myself if I am just a user of
that new software).

I've heard it involves registering the extension in a web repository
called "IANA" but that's all I know and I need the details ...

Thanks,
Patrick

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Request for Question Clarification by sublime1-ga on 07 Dec 2005 16:29 PST

IANA doesn't apply here:

"The Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) is an
 organisation that oversees IP address, top-level domain
 and Internet protocol code point allocations."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_Assigned_Numbers_Authority

I am not at all familiar with any mechanism similar to 
the one of which you speak, in which Windows would search
the internet for a program to open a filetype. You stated:

"I have seen that mechanism work for other file types..."

Can you give me an example?

Again, the only mechanism with which I'm familiar is where
the creators of certain browsers include a page of helper
objects to which you are directed when you try to open a
known filetype in a browser window. That service and the
filetypes which are included, are managed by the creators
of the browser (Netscape comes to mind), and are only 
relevant to attempts to open files within the browser.
If your application is such a browser helper object, you 
could contact the development team for the various browsers.

If yours is a standalone application, I'm not familiar with
any similar service performed by Windows.

sublime1-ga

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Clarification of Question by patrickq001-ga on 07 Dec 2005 17:12 PST

conway79 and wiggy1980's answers are just what I was looking for ...
so now I have a question for Google: how to I assign the fee to both?
There seems to be no button on this screen to do that!

Open My Computer
Click on "Tools"
Click on "Folder Options"
Click on "File types" tab
Click on "New" tab and enter the file extension, in you case xyz and
then click "OK"
You will now see XYZ extension on the "registered file types" window
Click on XYZ(single click), Then click on "Change" Button in the bottom.
A new window opens.

Click on " Select program from the list" and click"OK".
CLick Browse in the new window and filnd the application you wanted it to open.
Then click "OK" and that window wil close.
Then click "Close" or "Apply" on the "Folder Options" tab and you are done.

This is a misunderstanding: I am well aware of how an  advance user
could manually create a link between an extension and an application.
What I am seeking is very different: as a software developpers who has
developped an application to handle .xyz files, I want users who do
NOT have my application and do not even know WHERE to install it to
have Windows automatically locate that application on the web and
install it, when that user receives a file with .xyz for the first
time.

Thanks!
Patrick

Patrick, 

as you know When you try to open a file with an unknown file extension
you are given two choices 1) use the web service to find the
appropriate program
2) choose the program from a list

option 1 searches microsofts online resource at shell.microsoft.com
for the example of of .xyz you would end up here:
http://shell.windows.com/fileassoc/0409/xml/redir.asp?Ext=xyz

What you're asking can only be done at the local machine or in an
active directory environment, not over the internet.

from the faq on that site

Q: How can System Administrators automatically install software?

A: System Administrators can use Microsoft deployment technologies to
specify which applications should be installed for certain file
extensions.  Computers using this deployment technology will
automatically install the software the first time the user opens a
file with this extension.  For more information, see ZAP files in the
Windows 2000 or later resource kit under Desktop Configuration
Management, Software Installation and Maintenance, and Windows
Installer Technology.

 
regards 

Scott

In Windows XP, when you attempt to open an unknown file type (an
extension not found in the system registry), it will display a box
giving you the option to open it with a program already installed, or
'Use the Web service to find the appropriate program'. This will take
you to 'Microsoft Windows File Associations'
(http://shell.windows.com/fileassoc/0409/xml/redir.asp?Ext=<extension>)

If the program isn't registered on Microsoft's site, it will give you
a link to http://filext.com, linked to as 'CKNOW.COM', where you can
search a much larger file extension database, with descriptions of the
file type, programs that use it, ect. There's also a form you can use
to register your file type and link to your program.

In short, you can't make your program automatically install from the
web onto the user's computer (that would be a HUGE security breach!)
but you can give them a link to finding your program to download and
install themself, if they follow the link on Microsoft Windows File
Associations, then find the extension on FILExt.

Regards

Ben

patrick...

You cannot assign payment. Only authorized GA Researchers
can post a formal answer and collect the fee by doing so.
Commenters can post information at no cost for you except
that of listing the question, for 50 cents. Researchers
have hyperlinked usernames, which takes you to their
ratings, so you can tell the difference in the future.

If you've gotten what you need, you can simply cancel
this question so that it cannot be answered formally.

It would be great if users could receive the fee when they informally
answer a question!