Why does double clicking run an m file instead of open it in the editor?

Among numerous other issues with R2012a (messed up associations, no Start Menu shortcuts, extremely slow start times, etc.), when I double click on an m file in Windows Explorer, Matlab starts but tries (and usually fails) to execute the script (and usually fails). This is incredibly annoying and completely different from any other version of Matlab I have used. I'm on Windows 7 64 bit.

How can I change this behavior so that double clicking opens the m file in the Matlab Editor (not the standalone editor, but the editor in the full Matlab program)?

[dpb]

I don't know where it is in Win 7 but you need to edit the file type association with the .m extension -- a search of the Win help for "file association" should find you the help on where they've hidden the access in the latest reincarnation.

I'm still at XP and there what you need is the "Folder Properties" under "Control Panel" and then "Edit File Type". There, there is an option of action for m-files of [Open|Run] from which to choose--it apparently on your system is "RUN" instead of "OPEN".

There's got to be a way to get there but at least on XP right-click on an m-file only shows the program association but won't let you get to the association for the file type (extension) for the action behavior change.

[Andy Yancy]

OK, thanks. Apparently this is much more difficult to fix in Windows 7 than in XP. I don't blame you for sticking with XP as long as possible. Windows 7 is inferior in a million little ways and superior in 0 ways that I have found so far. (The lack of an up arrow in the file manager alone is going to drive you crazy when you finally make the switch!)

[dpb]

I see MS apparently broke it...that sucks big time. :(

I found a couple of links to some freeware utilities that seem to claim they bring back the functionality, otherwise it appears one would have to resort to registry editing manually. What a crock...

http://www.thewindowsclub.com/file-association-fixer-for-windows-7-vista-released

http://izt.name/apps/types/

"I know nuthink!" (to quote Sgt Schultz) about either of the above.

I rarely if ever use Windwoes Explorer so probably wouldn't miss that particular keystroke/functionality but certainly the above is a killer, indeed.