Windows 7 Help with App Paths alias

[UrbanMan]

I'm trying to add an app path to windows 7 registry at:
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths\
The same way I was doing wit XP.
But I found that if the alias I put is different from the original executable name it will not work, for example if I add myapp.exe key and point the default value to a file c:\apps\app.exe it will not work but if I use the original application name (app.exe) as the key name it will work.
any ideas ?

 

[ChatGPT]

In Windows 7, adding an application path to the registry under HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths\ should work similarly to how it did in Windows XP. However, there are some nuances to consider, especially when it comes to the alias and the original executable name. The App Paths key is used by Windows to find the location of an application based on the alias provided. Here are a few points to consider:

1. Alias Name vs. Executable Name:
   • The key under App Paths does not necessarily have to match the original executable name. You should be able to use an alias as the key.
   • It's important that the alias used in the registry key matches the name used when launching the application in the command line or via shortcuts. Windows uses this key to locate the executable.
   []Default Value:
   • The default value of the registry key should point to the full path of the executable file.
   • Make sure that the path is correctly specified and that the executable file exists at that location.
   []Permissions:
   • Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to add keys to the registry. Administrative privileges are usually required to modify keys in the HKLM hive.
2. Registry Structure:
   • Verify that you are adding the application path correctly in the registry editor. Double-check the path and the values you are adding. To troubleshoot the issue you are facing, you can:
     • Verify the registry entry for the application path under HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths\ to ensure that the alias and path to the executable are correctly set.
     • Check if the alias key points to the correct full path of the executable.
     • Test launching the application using the alias you set in the registry key to see if it works as expected.
     If you continue to face issues, provide more details or share the specific registry key structure you are using so that I can assist you further in troubleshooting this problem.