Change file type descriptions in Windows 7

  • Launch regedit.

    step1

  • In HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT, find your extension (you just have to type .qtz). Example with .ods file:

    step2

  • Look for the Data of the (Default) value (in my case, opendocument.CalcDocument.1, but in yours, something related to your application), and find this name in HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT again, by typing the first letters. Example with opendocument.CalcDocument.1:

    step3

  • Change the Data of the (Default) value to the description you want.

    step4

  • Close regedit.

To see your changes appear, you can either reboot, or change the default association of some file by choosing "Open with > Choose default program..." (I couldn't find the proper method). Here is the result:

result


You can also use NirSoft's GUI-based FileTypesMan utility. It's available for both 32- and 64-bit systems.

  • Use Ctrl+F or Edit -> Find to find your file type
    • Searches by any field available. See the Edit File Type dialog below.
      • Include the . for faster extension searches, such as .script
  • Edit properties as desired.
  • Toggle advanced options as desired.
  • Click OK.

FileTypesMan Edit dialog

Pretty great, flexible, and very easy.

References

  • NirSoft's File Types Manager for Windows page
  • SevenForums' Windows 7: File Extension Icon - Change Default Icon tutorial