Opening Picture Files Opens New Instances of Internet Explorer

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This article was previously published under Q199292

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SYMPTOMS

When you open a Joint Photographic Experts Group (.jpg) image or a Graphics Interchange Format (.gif) image, the file may open in a new instance of Internet Explorer.

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CAUSE

This issue can occur if the file associations for .gif and .jpg files have been changed.

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RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, edit the OPEN command for the .gif and .jpg file associations:

Double-click My Computer, and then click Folder Options on the View menu.
Click the File Types tab, click GIF Image in the Registered file types box, and then click Edit.
Click Open, click Edit, click to select the Use DDE check box, and then modify the values in the Use DDE section to match the following values:

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Box Value
DDE Message "file://%1",,-1,,,,,
Application "C:\PROGRA~1\INTERN~1\iexplore.exe" -nohome
DDE Application Not Running (Leave blank)
Topic WWW_OpenURL
Click OK, click Close, and then click Close.
Repeat these steps, except in step 2, click JPEG Image.
Restart your computer.

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MORE INFORMATION

Some graphic enhancement programs may disable the Use DDE setting. This issue can occur after you install a graphics program.

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APPLIES TO

Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0
Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.01 Service Pack 1
Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.01 Service Pack 2
Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 128-Bit Edition
Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.02
Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.01
Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.0

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kbprb kbui KB199292

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Retired KB Content Disclaimer

This article was written about products for which Microsoft no longer offers support. Therefore, this article is offered "as is" and will no longer be updated.

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