Problems with new Dell Inspiron 1501. Help!

I just received my new Dell Inspiron 1501 last week and already managed to screw things up. I powered it on and did the setup and everything was fine. Then when I logged into my user account I noticed Windows Vista telling me I could transfer my files and settings from my old computer. I did this and it completely screwed everything up including completely locking me out of my user account. I went ahead and just reinstalled windows and just did a manual transfer of just the documents and pictures that I wanted.

Now everything works except I can't open pictures now. When I click on an image a window pops that says "Unknown file format". Does anybody know what would cause this. I reinstalled the Dell Resource CD as this has many drivers that are necessary but it looks like you have to install all the drivers individually. The only drivers that I installed after installing the CD were those for the touchpad. What do you think I need to do in order to correct this issue? Thanks.

 

Anybody have this issue before?

 

Doesn't it give you an option to choose a program to view the file in? Just select the program you want from the list (IE would be an option), and it should remember next time it encounters that file type. What is the filename extension (.gif, .jpg, ...)?

 

They are jpg files. It will allow me to choose which program I open the images with. Do you think changing the program would work? Is there anything that I should have installed after reinstalling Vista? Thanks.

 

It's not a driver issue, and you don't need to install anything else. You have to associate the file extension with the program you want to view the files in. The easiest way is to double-click the file, and when it gives you the option to select a program to view the file in, do that.

 

If I double-click the image it will just delay for about a second and then bring up a pop-up that says unknown file format. If I right-click then it will let me choose what program I want to open it with. I believe I have it set for the windows photo viewing software. I can't remember the name of the program off the top of my head.

I will fool around with it more when I get home. So you don't think its a driver issue that came about after resinstalling windows? If so that is good news. I hope its something silly that I will smack myself over the head for not figuring out on my own. Thanks.

 

That's right, just pick a program from the list.