American Association of Professional Hypnotherapists

The ZIP file format is in very popular use.

One problem with Windows Vista is that, once a ZIP file is downloaded, if you try to "open with" or send that file to an application (like iTunes, which would be a common choice for someone that just downloaded a ZIPped MP3 hypnosis session), then Vista *permanently* keeps that file association by default. One click too fast, missing unchecking a box, and you won't be able to open a ZIP file on your computer again.

Here's more from a help email we have:

Seems that once Vista has associated a filetype from explorer (file explorer) to something else (like iTunes or WORD), it's a real pain to get it back. And since Vista makes any new filetype association *permanent by default*, many users have gotten themselves into this annoying predicament. See this blog entry:

http://blogs.msdn.com/mikeormond/archive/2007/05/23/zip-file-extension-a...

There doesn't appear to be an easy or ready solution, other than deleting a line from the registry (hmmm - big problems if you make the tiniest mistake editing the registry), or doing a re-install. (Can you believe it!??! Re-installing the whole OS over such a tiny thing!?)

They do say to try this:

Open With -> Choose Default Program" and then select: C:\Windows\explorer.exe

But they don't say that they have tested that or if it actually works.

You can find more background information on the process (but not to associate the file back with explorer.exe) at:

http://articles.techrepublic.com.com/5100-10877_11-6172036.html
http://www.askstudent.com/tips/how-to-change-filetype-associations-in-wi...

and maybe here:
http://www.annoyances.org/exec/show/article02-500

If we hear of a way to fix this, we'll update this info page.