Clicking links to known file types causes the file to open up as text

[ogwul]

Greetings-

Recently, I have run across a problem with IE6 (6.0.2600.0000). I am running on Win2k Pro sp2. When I click on links of known files types (like .pdf, .rtf, .doc, .xls) in my browser, I get "webpage" full of scrambled text which is the contents of the file. In other words, the application which would normally open the known file type is not launching in my browser (like Acrobat, Word, or Excel) like it should. Additionally, .exe's which would normally start to download when I click them, display this funky text also.

I have "repaired" IE6 from the Add/Remove Programs menu. I have searched in vain for a resolution to this issue. If I right-click on the link in question, I can elect to save the file. Then if I double-click the file, it opens just fine.

What I'm thinking is that there is likely a registry hack somewhere where I can tell IE that I want these files to open in my browser. I never (to my knowledge) turned off that feature in IE, but if anyone can tell me how I can get it to turn back on, I'd be forever grateful.

-ogwul

 

[PAndersen]

Can it have something to do with the security settings ?

 

[dogviticus]

You can compare these registry setting to yours and see if they are the same or not... if the answer is there or not I can't say... however have a look, it might help.

-------- Begin Paste --------------

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\AdvancedOptions\MULTIMEDIA\PICTS]

"RegPath"="SOFTWARE\\Microsoft\\Internet Explorer\\Main"
"Text"="Show pictures"
"PlugUIText"="@inetcplc.dll,-4742"
"Type"="checkbox"
"CheckedValue"="yes"
"UncheckedValue"="no"
"ValueName"="Display Inline Images"
"DefaultValue"="yes"
"HKeyRoot"=dword:80000001
"HelpID"="iexplore.hlp#50042"

------ End Paste ----------------------

You can view a lot more keys at

http://www.jsiinc.com/SUBF/TIP2900/rh2962.htm