[Windows] Start automatically a program via another one

This is what I want to do. I'm going to exemplify with with Notepad. I got file file.txt. Normally, when one opens it, it will open automatically in Notepad.

Now, what I want to achieve is: When I open any *.txt file (again, it's just an example, it could be any program, any file extension), I want to have Notepad start via another program, instead.

Very shortly: I open the file > ProgramX > Notepad > text file opens in Notepad.

I've been searching around, and I found Image File Execution Options:

-http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/a329t4ed(v=VS.71).aspx
-http://blogs.msdn.com/b/greggm/archive/2005/02/21/377663.aspx

This method is actually used by Didier Steven's tool runasil.

I'd imagine it would also work for what I want to do; but, I'm wondering if there's any other way of doing it as well? If I remember well, I've seen some people saying that when using runasil programs would work slower or something like that. I don't know if it's an issue with runasil itself, or if it's simply related to Image File Execution Options.

I'll give it a try, maybe later or tomorrow. In the meanwhile, if you know of any other method, I'd appreciate if you could say something.


Thanks

 

Not sure I understand.

Case 1) TXT opens in notepad.
Case 2) TXT opens in notepad... via another program?

What does that mean?

 

Excluding malicious actions , it's handy if you want to automatically pass whatever parameters to the process in question.

Let's take runasil tool as an example (-http://blog.didierstevens.com/2010/12/01/runasil/).

Imagine that you apply a low integrity level to your browser. Every time it updates, normally it will delete and place a new file, and not simply replace it. This means that the next time you start the browser, it will start with the normal integrity level.
Now, if you have runasil to actually initiate the browser, then it will always pass the low/medium/high/system integrity level to the process; you never have to keep applying the integrity level. You also never have to start runasil manually, either. It's done automatically; you start the browser normallly, but it will be runasil/other process actually starting it, and it will pass whatever parameters you want.

There's many uses, depending on what you're trying to achieve.

I'm trying to find out if there's an alternative way, rather than using Image File Execution Options. Probably, there isn't.

 

Ah, I see. Probably some way. No idea though haha

 

Sounds like malware Try a Rootkit

 

Thank you for the suggestion! I think I'll pass, though!