Open new file in TextPad using current instance, allowing for multiple instances

Question

I would like to configure Windows 7 to open every new .txt file into the first of the existing TextPad instances.

I know how to open new files all into a single TextPad instance but I am trying to avoid disabling multiple instances.

Instead, if multiple instances are open, open the new file in the first (or last, if it can be configured) instance.

I remember it used to be able to be done in Win2K and Windows XP under File Associations and there was something like a command options field where there was specific syntax that enabled this. So back then, I was indeed able to perform this functionality.

Answer 1

I don't remember where I found this, but you can modify your registry to get this working. I've tested it with both TextPad 5 & 6, and it works.

Here's what regedit exports:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Applications\TextPad.exe\shell\open\ddeexec]
@="[open(\"%1\")]"

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Applications\TextPad.exe\shell\open\ddeexec\application]
@="TextPad.6"

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Applications\TextPad.exe\shell\open\ddeexec\IfExec]

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Applications\TextPad.exe\shell\open\ddeexec\topic]
@="System"

You should be able to import the above if you save it as a .reg file, or you can do it manually. If you're using TextPad 5, you need to change the value of the "application" key to "TextPad.5.0"