Where's the exe?

[krtxmrtz]

When I double-click on a graphic file it opens with 'Microsoft Office Picture Manager'. I'd like to add a shortcut to this app on the desktop but I haven't been able to find exactly where the executable resides.

In general, how do I know where the executable of an application is located if I don't know its precise name?

[krtxmrtz]

OK I've found 'Microsoft Office Picture Manager', but my second question remains unanswered.

[eranga262154]

There is no exact place. Mostly it contain the installation folder itself, inside the program files.

[Hack]

In general, how do I know where the executable of an application is located if I don't know its precise name?

You would have to know something about it, even if it wasn't the exact name.

Preferably, how it starts. If you know nothing about it, then it is a trial and error wild card search until you finally find it.

[eranga262154]

Hack,

You mean that, if it is impossible to find the executable, it can be a trial?

[Hack]

It won't be impossible. Eventually you would stumble across it.

But, if you know absolutely nothing about the name, then it could be trying.

[eranga262154]

I agreed with you sir.

As I said in my first replay, I've never seen any application without the executable file. But I'm not clear with one thing. If I use a plugging on a specific application, it wont create a separate folder inside the programing files, right? If so how it combined with the existing executable file.

If my question is not related to the topic, just ignore it.

[Hack]

I would rather imagine that would be unique to the plug in itself and how it was designed to work.

[krtxmrtz]

Finding the exe file for Microsoft Office Picture Manager was not easy, the file name bears no clue: ois.exe

[kregg]

A good tip is if you know nothing about the program name, go on google and type

<program name> process

like for example

Microsoft Office Picture Manager process

Thanks to spyware, people have gone a bit iffy about what processes are running in the background, and now websites offer information about the program themselves, stating if they are harmful or not.

[krtxmrtz]

A good tip is if you know nothing about the program name, go on google and type

<program name> process

like for example

Microsoft Office Picture Manager process

Thanks to spyware, people have gone a bit iffy about what processes are running in the background, and now websites offer information about the program themselves, stating if they are harmful or not.

Wow, I guess this is going to be really useful, I wish I could double-rate you up

[eranga262154]

Finding the exe file for Microsoft Office Picture Manager was not easy, the file name bears no clue: ois.exe

I don't think so. Just go to the relevant main folder inside Program Files. In your case it is Microsoft Office. All the application are inside the OFFICE11, because it is the real name used by the Microsoft in 2003. Check the file types Application. Keep your mouse pointer few seconds there. You can see the Application name. That is what I have done. Common for all.

[krtxmrtz]

You're right, the tooltip tells you what you need to know. Still you must know what directory the file is in. I did know Office 2003 uses Office11 for the executables but I simply had forgotten, so it wasn't that easy.

But thanks anyway, it's a good tip.

[eranga262154]

It's true. There is no any logic as kregg said. You need to memories those tips to work in my way.

[kregg]

What I also forgot was that they also tell you what the program name is, so that you can do a Search on it.

[eranga262154]

Or, simply search executable files.

[kregg]

That would be a good plan if you know what the file name is called. If you don't, then Google is your friend

[eranga262154]

Actually the search result gives a simple explanation there. If you have familiar with icons and stuff on the program it's not a case.

[kregg]

Your method is what I would go for personally, because I know the ins and outs of my PC.

But I'm giving the absolute foolproof method. You are giving a trial and error method, which can potentially take a long time for such a simple user.

Mine sounds more complex than it really is. Thanks to all these spyware concerned websites, getting the information takes seconds, literally. I managed to confirm krtxmrtz's findings straight away thanks to searching on the internet.

It would've only taken him a few clicks to find out, than to find out the trial and error way (and krtxmrtz also did not know the Office11 folder existed for Office 2003, which would've taken him longer).

[Lord Orwell]

if you know the extension of the file and you want to know the default program, you can open the registry and find out the locations of everything.
open up hkey_classes_root and look for the file extension. For example on my system it says .cab has a default class id of {0CD7A5C0-9F37-11CE-AE65-08002B2E1262}
search for that and you will find a key of that name. this key contains all information including the location of the program that opens it.

[kregg]

That's a good way, but can be made easier by going to Control Panel>Folder Options. Click on the File Type tab and wait for all the extensions to load. When it loads, type in the extension, and click on the advanced button, then the edit button.

Actually... I prefer Orwell's solution

[eranga262154]

if you know the extension of the file and you want to know the default program, you can open the registry and find out the locations of everything.
open up hkey_classes_root and look for the file extension. For example on my system it says .cab has a default class id of {0CD7A5C0-9F37-11CE-AE65-08002B2E1262}
search for that and you will find a key of that name. this key contains all information including the location of the program that opens it.

I have one question on this. Quite same as the original problem, say I know the program and want to find there extension. How can I do it on the registry, is it possible? I'm not at best in registry.

[kregg]

Use the program, save a dummy file (one that is just saved for the point of getting the extension).

Go to Control Panel>Folder Options and click on the second tab. Remove the tick from "hide extensions from known programs".

And while you are at it, you can click on the third tab and generally browse through the extensions.

[eranga262154]

Kregg, are you directing to my question. If so, I'm asking that how to do it in registry. Not in the way you are talking.

[Lord Orwell]

i said how to do it in registry! Look at post #20!

[Al42]

If you look at the app that opens the file type (post #23) (I looked at .tif, because my tiffs open in MS document viewer), you'll find the program that the type is associated with - "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\MODI\11.0\MSPVIEW.EXE in my case.

[eranga262154]

i said how to do it in registry! Look at post #20!

Still I'm confusing sir. Because of this.

if you know the extension of the file and you want to know the default program

My question is other way round. Say I know the program, as an example MS Word. I want to find there extension. Is it possible on the registry. The way kregg talking about is ok, I know that way to do it. I'm checking that on the registry.

[Lord Orwell]

possible but not as easy. you just have to look up the program with a registry search then search for the guid it is in.

[eranga262154]

Ya, I feel it so boring on the registry. Search it and got a large collection as the result. Really mess to find the one I want. Thanks.

[Lord Orwell]

well if it is a program such as photoshop it probably has dozens of extensions listed in there it supports.

[Hack]

Ya, I feel it so boring on the registry. Search it and got a large collection as the result. Really mess to find the one I want. Thanks.

Yes, you are right, but sometimes there is no alternative.

[eranga262154]

well if it is a program such as photoshop it probably has dozens of extensions listed in there it supports.

That's what I really felt on. I just use applications on MS Office such as Word, gets a full of search result. At that point it is really boring. So the way of use a dummy file, as kregg said, is so easy.