[python-win32] os.startwith issue dealing with .tif (winxp)

[geoff]

Hi Folks;

I have an application that stores images in a database.
When the images are extracted, we use the files extension and
os.startwith("filename") to allows the OS to select the users
desingated program to open the file.

Sometimes ... this goes astray.  For some mysterious reason, WinXP's
file type associates get removed, atleast for TIF files.

what I would like to do is that if os.startwith fails, try to open the
file with a specific program.  In the case of image files, the Ms
Picture and Fax Viewer.

How do I find the default path to an installed program ?
Do I need the GUID and then look for the registry key ??

Any help would be appreciated.

g.