Where is the dialogue for advanced set file association options ?

In Windows XP I could set parameters for "opens with" so that a program gets opened with an application and the extra parameters are passed to it. I could also set different associations other than "opens with" such as "add to play list". that would then apear in explorer right click menu. this apeared in the windows explorer ->tools-> menus-> folder options menu.

However these options dont seem to be available, or at least not in the same place in windows 7 (64 home premium), all I can find is the same dialogue which gives me only the "opens with" association and no options for command line parameters.

please note this is probably an advanced feature, so dont be alarmed if you dont understand it, also you can assume ive already gone through all the basic menus and basic help. also note this question is not about how to add to windows play list, but how to add any such option to the windows explorer right click context menu.

thanks, yes Id come to that conclusion too, however editing the registry is Faaaarrrr more dangerous than a dialogue box.  I cant beleive they actually get money for removing features which the users have already funded through buying previous versions.

so, where has the code gone ? why cant it be put back in,,,

I couldn't agree more. If Microsoft can't write a simple app to modify the registry safely, they really shouldn't be taking the functionality away. The registry is basically undocumented and it's far too easy to screw up.

In my own case I want to associate a file extension with a more complex command line than just <program> <filename>. Easy in XP. Seems impossible in 7. Why?

Anyway, I've managed to solve it. Write a command-line batch file with the relevant code in it, and associate this with the file extension. A simple work-around. So why does Microsoft not even mention it?

yes, I agree, Im a bit sad at the way software is going with a big giant like microsoft.

I have been looking at other areas, it seems they look at the user experience results, and if a feature isnt used it gets the chop ?

however this is a rather dumb way to go, I mean if a feature isnt being used much it may mean its not been made easy enough to access, or isnt obvious how usefull it is, or the user is unlikly to become aware it is available.

take the show desktop for example, I was mentioning how anoying it is that its moved posion on the taskbar,  and a friend says oh the best thing about windows 7 is the show desktop button as hed never knew it was possible.

the way people say modifying the registry is safe as long as you backup, is a contradiction, its not safe thats Why you should back up first.

there seems to be a widening gulf between what Microsoft consider the average user wants when they are looking to purchase a product, and that gets put into a simple format menu/help system, and then there are the more complicated things you need to do but not very often, which are being hidden becuase the average user might be put off.

i dont quite see why you think your post is an answer,,,