PRB: Power Tab Files Are Being Loaded By The Wrong Program

Symptoms

When you try to open or print a Power Tab file from within Windows Explorer, a program other than the Editor (usually an Adobe product) tries to open or print the file, resulting in an error.

Cause

The .ptb (Power Tab) files have been associated with a program other than Power Tab Editor. File associations are stored in the Windows registry and inform the operating system which program is used to open/print/etc. files of a particular extension. As an example, .txt (text) files are usually associated with the program Notepad. When a user opens a text file by clicking on it, Windows knows that it should use Notepad to view the file. In order to view Power Tab files properly, Power Tab Editor (PTEditor.exe) must be associated with .ptb files.

More Information

For more information on file associations, see the following articles:

• How to change file associations in Windows XP
• Understanding MS Windows File Associations
• Wikipedia - File association

Resolution

At this time, if you do not feel comfortable working with the registry, skip to Option 2.

Option 1: Edit the Registry

1. Click Start, and then click Run.
2. In the Open text box, type regedit, and then click OK.
3. Open the HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT folder.
4. Find, and then left-click on the folder named .ptb.
5. Write down the name of the value under the Data column in the right-hand side pane. (in the (Default) row) The two most common values are ptb_auto_file, and PowerTab.Score.1.7.
6. Right-click on the folder named .ptb.
7. On the shortcut menu, click Delete.
8. Click Yes.
9. Find, and then right-click on the folder which has the same name as the value you wrote down in step 5.
10. On the shortcut menu, click Delete.
11. Click Yes.
12. Close the Registry Editor.
13. Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Power Tab Software, point to Power Tab Editor, and then click Power Tab Editor 1.7.
14. Close Power Tab Editor, and then try opening a .ptb file by clicking on it in Windows Explorer.

Option 2: Load Power Tab Files From Within The Program

This option is a workaround for people who don't feel safe editing the registry, and for those who couldn't get option 1 to work. It does not cure the problem, but it does provide an alternative method for loading Power Tab files.

1. Click Start, Programs, Power Tab Software, Power Tab Editor, Power Tab Editor 1.7.
2. On the File menu, click Open.
3. Browse to the file you want to open, and then click Open.

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