Image File Extension Problems On XP

Recently my computer suddenly stopped automatically recognizing image files. For instance, if I save an image from the Internet, I have to manually type in .jpg or .bmp etc. after the name (even though the dialogue box clearly recognizes the file type), otherwise it will be saved as an unknown file. I can add the file extension later or save it again in a graphics program in the desired format, but it won't do it automatically.

Also, when I double click on an image file to view it on the default graphics program (Corel Photo House 3), it won't launch properly saying it's invalid. After I've closed the 'Invalid' dialogue box, Corel does launch, but the image hasn't opened in it. I can still open files normally in Corel if I've already started the program, it just won't execute when I double click on an image file.

I can't identify anything I've changed to make this happen and have run my anti-virus program a few times.

I have a pretty new Pentium 4 Dell Dimension 5000 running Windows XP Home Edition.

Please help, it's driving me nuts!!

 

Have you checked the settings to see if they've been changed? If not this may be worth a shot. Control Panel > Folder Options > File Types and scroll to one of the extension you are having the problem with, click on it to bring up the information. If you note it's been changed see if you can modify it for your preferences or set it to the default.

 

I've spent ages making sure every image file type is correctly associated with the default graphics program in the File Types dialogue box and I've uninstalled and reinstalled the graphics program!

I know Corel Photo House 3 is old and there's no support for it now, but I've used it for ages and really like it. I don't know why it would suddenly be corrupted now, especially if I've re-installed it from the original disk. Plus the image file extension problem isn't just isolated to Corel as there seems to be a general problem on my PC of recognizing image file types.

This problem doesn't happen if I make Adobe the default graphics program, but that has clitches all of it's own and I don't want it to be the default program.

Thanks for your help