.bin files

[kondor]

I just downloaded and installed the new version winamp 2.78. My question is this: once installed I have noticed in all my other programs that contain .bin files, the icon has replaced what they were previously, and when I click on those files, the winamp program comes up. Is this normal? This was not happening in the previous version and am now concerned that these other programs will not work properly with them being linked with the winamp program. Can I somehow dis-associate the winamp program from these files? I did check out the file preferences and did not see .bin listed. (NOTE: these .bin files are in programs that have nothing to do with music). Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[NRen2k5]

It is odd behaviour, but it's harmless. There have been reports before about files that don't have extensions being claimed by WinAMP, and I've personally seen WinAMP take over DAT files for no reason. It has never done any harm, though. They're just associated to WinAMP. They haven't been changed in any way and their functionality hasn't been affected. Unless there is a program aside from Winamp that you actually want to open BIN files when you double-click them, I wouldn't worry about it if I were you.

[DJ Egg]

Hmm . . . strange

Bin = Binary file
They aren't supposed to be associated with any programs, all they do is store raw data, eg. driver bases, configs, etc.

Although, as NRen2k says, it won't do any harm that they're associated with Winamp, and it won't affect any programs that use them, it can be fixed quite simply enough, either via Windows Folder Options -> Filetypes, or via a quick regfix.
But I'll need to know what your Windows OS is first.

btw, did you download & install any extra 3rd-party Winamp plugins?
Did you install the Full version of Winamp, including Veritas CD Burner Plugin?

Also, for references to similar problems we've had reported in the past:

From: TSGH -> Useful Links

RE: Problems with File Formats & Erroneous Associations:
http://forums.winamp.com/showthread.php?threadid=31240 (extensionless files 1)
http://forums.winamp.com/showthread.php?threadid=60901 (extensionless files 2)
http://forums.winamp.com/showthread.php?threadid=70099 (extensionless files 3)
http://forums.winamp.com/showthread.php?threadid=30923 (jpg association)
http://forums.winamp.com/showthread.php?threadid=30183 (general filetypes)
http://forums.winamp.com/showthread.php?threadid=30939 (mpg association)
http://forums.winamp.com/showthread.php?threadid=66607 (exe files / rnjfile virus)
http://forums.winamp.com/showthread.php?threadid=34543 (Real formats/NiceMC combo)
http://forums.winamp.com/showthread.php?threadid=30880 (jpg & gif pt.1)
http://forums.winamp.com/showthread.php?threadid=30442 (jpg & gif pt.2)

[kondor]

thank you both, NRen2k and DJEgg for responding so quickly and easing my fears. DJEgg, my OS is Windows 98 SE--all your help is so greatly appreciated!--I will check out your other references/links to understand and learn more about this. As to the install, when I bring up the program, it says I have version 2.78c. I did not download any additional plug-ins that I know of (I downloaded this from CNET updates). Looking in the plug-in file within winamp there are several plug-ins in there, but those came with the download/install. The Veritas CD Burner Plugin is not listed in the program. Thanks again for helping me to try and fix this.

[DJ Egg]

I don't know if you got to see my edited post above before you replied (edit: yes, you did), but anyway, here goes:

Try this first:

Plan 1:

Winamp Prefs -> Setup -> Filetypes.
Uncheck "register files on winamp start" (if it is checked)
Click the "select none" button
Close Winamp
Wait a minute
Reopen Winamp
Close Winamp
Wait a couple of minutes
Shut down Windows & Reboot

Now take a look to see if BIN files still have the Winamp icon.
If not, then you can safely reopen Winamp and re-associate extensions again.


If plan 1 has failed:


Plan 2:

Goto Windows Folder Options -> File Types tab
Scroll down to see if there's a separate entry for BIN (Bin File)

If there is, then click the "Edit" button and remove the "Play in Winamp" action (plus any other references to Winamp, eg. Enqueue in Winamp, etc.)

If not, scroll down & hi-lite entry for "Winamp Media File"
Now, in the extension list (under: File type details), left click on the list and then move the kybd cursor to the right.
Is BIN included in the list?
If so, with "Winamp Media File" still selected, click the "Remove" button.
Click "okay" (or is it "yes"?) to confirm "remove" action
Close Folder Options.

Now take a look to see if BIN files still have the Winamp icon.
If not, then you can safely reopen Winamp and re-associate extensions again.

If plan 2 has failed, report back here and I'll knock up a quick regfix for ya.


btw, CD Burner plugin will be listed under the General Purpose section (if it's installed). It's the only 3rd-party plugin included with default setup, and there's already been a few bugs reported (and fixed too).

Skin menu appearing in playback menu in v2.78c (Veritas CD Burner plugin bug)
http://forums.winamp.com/showthread.php?threadid=69503
http://forums.winamp.com/showthread.php?threadid=69281
http://forums.winamp.com/showthread.php?threadid=69305
http://forums.winamp.com/showthread.php?threadid=69206
http://forums.winamp.com/showthread.php?threadid=69403
http://forums.winamp.com/showthread.php?threadid=70944 (no bookmark list)

Though, there's a good chance that this isn't relevant in your case.
But it's just a bit weird, 'cos I've never seen any cases before of BIN files getting erroneously associated.

[kondor]

Thanks, DJEgg, I followed instructions: Plan 1 didn't work, so went on to Plan 2: under BIN entry, and I tab the edit, there is no reference to winamp, it just lists "open". So then I went down to winamp media file, and looked at the extensions, the only one listed is AIP. (Both the BIN and Winamp media file show the winamp icon and says opens with: WINAMP). Thank you for such detailed instructions, I was able to follow with no problems (and have gone places on my computer that I have never been before!). Looks like I may need your help in getting your next plan: the regfix. Thanks again!! (I will still look at these various references just to learn more about winamp and my computer too!).

[kondor]

good morning DJEgg, I forgot to mention in my last reply that I do not have any CD Plug ins under the general purposes. Thanks again for all the time you have taken on my issue. Look forward to hearing from you.

[DJ Egg]

Aah! Shouldn't be any need for a regfix.

In Folder Options -> File Types:
Go back to entry for Bin File
Click "Edit"
Hi-lite "Open"
Click "remove"
Confirm delete.

This will unassociate Bin files from Winamp and will return the icon back to the default Windows File icon (no association).
If you would like to assign a different icon,
under first "Edit" button (Bin File -> Edit)
Click "change icon"
and choose one of the icons from within shell32.dll
(eg. I use one of the Recycle Bin icons, just for a laugh)

This should fix it without any need for a regfix.

Le me know if it works.

[kondor]

Hi DJEgg--your last suggestion here worked like a charm! Thank you so much--I sure hope that Winamp pays you well!! Thanks again for your diligence on this issue!! You've got the know-how!!