Font problem

[Bob Lucas]

Hi Anne

The problem with the file description should not be too difficult to fix.

Open Control Panel / Folder Options / File Types and scroll down to TTF. Click on the Advanced option. In the resulting menu, change the content of the first field from "Irfanview TTF File" to "TrueType Font file". Click on OK.

However, I am puzzled why you can't view the Arial font, when you double click on the Arial.ttf file name. Do you have the same problem with other TTF files? And what happens, if you click on Start / Run - and type "fontview.exe arial.ttf"?

I really don't know what to suggest. However, you could double-check the following aspects:

1. Is the fontview.exe file located correctly in the folder at C:\WINDOWS\system32 ?

2. Are all of your Windows font files located correctly in the folder at C:\WINDOWS\Fonts ?

3. Go back to Folder Options / File Types. Scroll down to TTF and check that this type of file still opens with Windows Font Viewer. Also, check the Advanced options and make sure:
a) the open command does read C:\WINDOWS\System32\fontview.exe %1. Use DDE should also be checked.

b) the print command does read C:\WINDOWS\System32\fontview.exe /p %1. Use DDE should also be checked.
4. As an afterthought, most Windows fonts use the TTF file extension. However, several fonts use the TTC or FON file extensions. You may need to check that these alternative file extensions are properly associated to the Windows Font Viewer.

It sounds as though Irfanview might have messed up your settings. I am not familiar with Irfanview. However, Google indicates that the program includes a font-viewer plug-in. Does it have a configuration menu. If so, can you remove the Irfanview font-viewer plug-in?

Do you need to use Irfanview? If not, you could try uninstalling that program entirely, to see whether that makes any difference.





Hi Bob,
Thank you for the file, I followed the rest of your instructions so haven't used it as yet.

I ran sfc /scannow from the cmd prompt, and rebooted.

On the bright side I now have my fonts opening with Windows Font Viewer but they still remain as .. **Type of file : Irfanview TTF File**, which is a nuisance, but better than what I had, I'd like to put that right too, <g>.

When I navigate to my Fonts folder and double click on Arial.ttf I'm told
... **The requested file:C\Windows|fonts\ARIAL.ttf was not a valid font file.**.

How do I validate my Windows Fonts? Another mini problem!

I appreciate the help on this, thank you for your time.
Anne



In that case, I really am puzzled.

I simply don't understand how your computer responded to "Run
fontview.exe fontname.ttf", if you don't have "fontview.exe" on
your machine.

What happens if you navigate to the C:\Windows\Fonts folder - and
double click on one of the standard Windows fonts (such as
"arial.ttf")? Does the standard font open, using a Font Viewer
utility?

If "fontview.exe" really is missing from your computer, you could
use the Microsoft System File checker utility. To do so, go to a
command line prompt. Type "sfc /scannow" (without the quotation
marks). For further information, see the instructions at
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310747.

If System File Checker doesn't restore the file, you could try to
copy it manually. This is at your own risk, and I'm not 100%
certain it will work. However, I have attached a required file
(renamed "fontview.copy"). Save the file to a temporary folder -
and rename it as "fontview.exe".

Then, upon the assumption that the Windows directory on your
computer is at C:\Windows, you should copy "fontview.exe" to the
"C:\Windows\system32" folder on your computer.

Use the procedure that I described previously to associate TTF
files to "fontview.exe". You will almost certainly need to use
the browse option in the File Types menu. Scroll down to
"C:\Windows\system32" and select the "fontview.exe" file.

 

[Annie]

Thank you so much for all the help Bob, I'm up and running again now that I've used *Associate This*.
I have kept all your suggestions and instructions, just in case it should ever happen again, although it isn't something I'm ever likely to forget!!
Anne

Hi Anne

The problem with the file description should not be too difficult to fix.

Open Control Panel / Folder Options / File Types and scroll down to TTF. Click on the Advanced option. In the resulting menu, change the content of the first field from "Irfanview TTF File" to "TrueType Font file". Click on OK.

However, I am puzzled why you can't view the Arial font, when you double click on the Arial.ttf file name. Do you have the same problem with other TTF files? And what happens, if you click on Start / Run - and type "fontview.exe arial.ttf"?

I really don't know what to suggest. However, you could double-check the following aspects:

1. Is the fontview.exe file located correctly in the folder at C:\WINDOWS\system32 ?

2. Are all of your Windows font files located correctly in the folder at C:\WINDOWS\Fonts ?

3. Go back to Folder Options / File Types. Scroll down to TTF and check that this type of file still opens with Windows Font Viewer. Also, check the Advanced options and make sure:
a) the open command does read C:\WINDOWS\System32\fontview.exe %1. Use DDE should also be checked.

b) the print command does read C:\WINDOWS\System32\fontview.exe /p %1. Use DDE should also be checked.
4. As an afterthought, most Windows fonts use the TTF file extension. However, several fonts use the TTC or FON file extensions. You may need to check that these alternative file extensions are properly associated to the Windows Font Viewer.

It sounds as though Irfanview might have messed up your settings. I am not familiar with Irfanview. However, Google indicates that the program includes a font-viewer plug-in. Does it have a configuration menu. If so, can you remove the Irfanview font-viewer plug-in?

Do you need to use Irfanview? If not, you could try uninstalling that program entirely, to see whether that makes any difference.





Hi Bob,
Thank you for the file, I followed the rest of your instructions so haven't used it as yet.

I ran sfc /scannow from the cmd prompt, and rebooted.

On the bright side I now have my fonts opening with Windows Font Viewer but they still remain as .. **Type of file : Irfanview TTF File**, which is a nuisance, but better than what I had, I'd like to put that right too, <g>.

When I navigate to my Fonts folder and double click on Arial.ttf I'm told
... **The requested file:C\Windows|fonts\ARIAL.ttf was not a valid font file.**.

How do I validate my Windows Fonts? Another mini problem!

I appreciate the help on this, thank you for your time.
Anne



In that case, I really am puzzled.

I simply don't understand how your computer responded to "Run
fontview.exe fontname.ttf", if you don't have "fontview.exe" on
your machine.

What happens if you navigate to the C:\Windows\Fonts folder - and
double click on one of the standard Windows fonts (such as
"arial.ttf")? Does the standard font open, using a Font Viewer
utility?

If "fontview.exe" really is missing from your computer, you could
use the Microsoft System File checker utility. To do so, go to a
command line prompt. Type "sfc /scannow" (without the quotation
marks). For further information, see the instructions at
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310747.

If System File Checker doesn't restore the file, you could try to
copy it manually. This is at your own risk, and I'm not 100%
certain it will work. However, I have attached a required file
(renamed "fontview.copy"). Save the file to a temporary folder -
and rename it as "fontview.exe".

Then, upon the assumption that the Windows directory on your
computer is at C:\Windows, you should copy "fontview.exe" to the
"C:\Windows\system32" folder on your computer.

Use the procedure that I described previously to associate TTF
files to "fontview.exe". You will almost certainly need to use
the browse option in the File Types menu. Scroll down to
"C:\Windows\system32" and select the "fontview.exe" file.

 

[Richard]

If I change the font from a .jpeg to a .ttf it stays in .jpeg. format.
If I run ...fontview.exe airstream.ttf . then the font opens as it
should, but the icon remains as a .jpeg on my desktop, and not as the
actual font .. (.ttf file).

Hi Annie,

I understand from your later messages that your problem was solved, but I'm
curious about your description in the above cited message. What were you
changing? Were you renaming the file from "airstream.jpeg" to
"airstream.ttf" and the filename was changing to "airstream.jpeg"? (In which
case fontview.exe airstream.ttf should not have worked.) Or did you mean
that only the icon graphic itself looked like a jpeg icon, not the font one?

(Thanks in advance.
--Richard

P.S. Something else to check:
In Control Panel, open Folder Options, click View tab.
In Advanced settings, see if there is a checkmark before:
Hide extensions for known file types
If so, I recommend you UN-check that. With extensions hidden, you might
receive a file called "FamilyPics.jpg" attached to an email, that is really
"FamilyPics.jpg.exe" which, instead of opening in a graphics viewer, begins
to execute some nasty virus, trojan or worm program.
- - -

 

[Annie]

Apologies for replying late, I've been on holiday.
When I downloaded the fonts they downloaded as .ttf icons, however, when I came to install those fornts they were displaying as Irfanview Icons, ('jpeg format), I installed a trial version of *Associate This* and re associated those Irfanview Icons back to the Windows Font Viewer.
I couldn't install the fonts until I had reassociated them.
Anne

If I change the font from a .jpeg to a .ttf it stays in .jpeg. format.
If I run ...fontview.exe airstream.ttf . then the font opens as it
should, but the icon remains as a .jpeg on my desktop, and not as the
actual font .. (.ttf file).

Hi Annie,

I understand from your later messages that your problem was solved, but I'm
curious about your description in the above cited message. What were you
changing? Were you renaming the file from "airstream.jpeg" to
"airstream.ttf" and the filename was changing to "airstream.jpeg"? (In which
case fontview.exe airstream.ttf should not have worked.) Or did you mean
that only the icon graphic itself looked like a jpeg icon, not the font one?

(Thanks in advance.
--Richard

P.S. Something else to check:
In Control Panel, open Folder Options, click View tab.
In Advanced settings, see if there is a checkmark before:
Hide extensions for known file types
If so, I recommend you UN-check that. With extensions hidden, you might
receive a file called "FamilyPics.jpg" attached to an email, that is really
"FamilyPics.jpg.exe" which, instead of opening in a graphics viewer, begins
to execute some nasty virus, trojan or worm program.
- - -

 

[Bob Lucas]

Ah !!!

That confirms that you did download the fonts as TTF files. The actual file type did NOT change to JPEG, even though your computer displayed the wrong icon.

Microsoft, in their infinite wisdom, designed Windows to hide the file extensions of known file types by default. That is what happened to the icons you downloaded. However, because if you couldn't see the complete file name (with the extension), you had no way of knowing whether the actual files were ttf, ico, or jpeg.

At best, the Windows default setting leads to confusion - and in some circumstances, can be dangerous. For instance, some viruses and other malware may be distributed with a "double" file extension (such as "filename.jpg.exe"). A "double" file extension is a classic danger sign. However, by default, Windows hides the true file extension ("exe"). Consequently, it appears that you have received a harmless JPEG file, instead of a potentially dangerous "exe" file.

In my previous advice, I advised you to click Control Panel / Folder Options / View - and remove the check from the box labelled "Hide extensions for known file types". I still recommend that you to perform that simple step, even though you have resolved the particular problem with the font.


Apologies for replying late, I've been on holiday.
When I downloaded the fonts they downloaded as .ttf icons, however, when I came to install those fornts they were displaying as Irfanview Icons, ('jpeg format), I installed a trial version of *Associate This* and re associated those Irfanview Icons back to the Windows Font Viewer.
I couldn't install the fonts until I had reassociated them.
Anne

If I change the font from a .jpeg to a .ttf it stays in .jpeg. format.
If I run ...fontview.exe airstream.ttf . then the font opens as it
should, but the icon remains as a .jpeg on my desktop, and not as the
actual font .. (.ttf file).

Hi Annie,

I understand from your later messages that your problem was solved, but I'm
curious about your description in the above cited message. What were you
changing? Were you renaming the file from "airstream.jpeg" to
"airstream.ttf" and the filename was changing to "airstream.jpeg"? (In which
case fontview.exe airstream.ttf should not have worked.) Or did you mean
that only the icon graphic itself looked like a jpeg icon, not the font one?

(Thanks in advance.
--Richard

P.S. Something else to check:
In Control Panel, open Folder Options, click View tab.
In Advanced settings, see if there is a checkmark before:
Hide extensions for known file types
If so, I recommend you UN-check that. With extensions hidden, you might
receive a file called "FamilyPics.jpg" attached to an email, that is really
"FamilyPics.jpg.exe" which, instead of opening in a graphics viewer, begins
to execute some nasty virus, trojan or worm program.
- - -

 

[Annie]

Hi Bob,
Thanks for the lengthy explanation, useful to have!

**Hide extensions for known file types** The check had already been removed. I could indeed see the complete path name, I have *clickie* installed. All my *hidden files* - etc are *unhidden*, and have been since I reinstalled XP several weeks ago.
Was a complete mystery to me why those fonts dispalyed as .. airstream.jpg, for example.
All is ok now, and I'm happy for it to be so.
Thanks so much for the info. etc.
Anne



Ah !!!

That confirms that you did download the fonts as TTF files. The actual file type did NOT change to JPEG, even though your computer displayed the wrong icon.

Microsoft, in their infinite wisdom, designed Windows to hide the file extensions of known file types by default. That is what happened to the icons you downloaded. However, because if you couldn't see the complete file name (with the extension), you had no way of knowing whether the actual files were ttf, ico, or jpeg.

At best, the Windows default setting leads to confusion - and in some circumstances, can be dangerous. For instance, some viruses and other malware may be distributed with a "double" file extension (such as "filename.jpg.exe"). A "double" file extension is a classic danger sign. However, by default, Windows hides the true file extension ("exe"). Consequently, it appears that you have received a harmless JPEG file, instead of a potentially dangerous "exe" file.

In my previous advice, I advised you to click Control Panel / Folder Options / View - and remove the check from the box labelled "Hide extensions for known file types". I still recommend that you to perform that simple step, even though you have resolved the particular problem with the font.


Apologies for replying late, I've been on holiday.
When I downloaded the fonts they downloaded as .ttf icons, however, when I came to install those fornts they were displaying as Irfanview Icons, ('jpeg format), I installed a trial version of *Associate This* and re associated those Irfanview Icons back to the Windows Font Viewer.
I couldn't install the fonts until I had reassociated them.
Anne

If I change the font from a .jpeg to a .ttf it stays in .jpeg. format.
If I run ...fontview.exe airstream.ttf . then the font opens as it
should, but the icon remains as a .jpeg on my desktop, and not as the
actual font .. (.ttf file).

Hi Annie,

I understand from your later messages that your problem was solved, but I'm
curious about your description in the above cited message. What were you
changing? Were you renaming the file from "airstream.jpeg" to
"airstream.ttf" and the filename was changing to "airstream.jpeg"? (In which
case fontview.exe airstream.ttf should not have worked.) Or did you mean
that only the icon graphic itself looked like a jpeg icon, not the font one?

(Thanks in advance.
--Richard

P.S. Something else to check:
In Control Panel, open Folder Options, click View tab.
In Advanced settings, see if there is a checkmark before:
Hide extensions for known file types
If so, I recommend you UN-check that. With extensions hidden, you might
receive a file called "FamilyPics.jpg" attached to an email, that is really
"FamilyPics.jpg.exe" which, instead of opening in a graphics viewer, begins
to execute some nasty virus, trojan or worm program.
- - -

 

[Richard]

Hi Anne,

Your same day reply was not late on my end. (I'm the slow poke. But my
7 days late reply arrived just in time for your return from holiday.

Thanks for clarifying what was done. (See FYI at bottom of this message.)

(Be happy, be Very Happy.
--Richard

Apologies for replying late, I've been on holiday.
When I downloaded the fonts they downloaded as .ttf icons, however,
when I came to install those fornts they were displaying as
Irfanview Icons, ('jpeg format), I installed a trial version of
*Associate This* and re associated those Irfanview Icons back to
the Windows Font Viewer.
I couldn't install the fonts until I had reassociated them.
Anne

FYI: Usenet newsgroups are plain text groups. Your Outlook Express is using
"Quoted Printable" format with HTML for messages. That causes problems with
some newsreaders.
- - -
Proper Outlook Express settings for newsgroups:
Click Tools, click Options, click Send (tab)
Under News Sending Format, select Plain Text
To the right of that, click Plain Text Settings (button)
Under Message format, click Uuencode
Click OK, click OK.
- - -

Setting up Outlook Express to access Microsoft newsgroups
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/outlookexpressnewreader.htm

Outlook Express newsgroup:
news://msnews.microsoft.com/microsoft.public.outlookexpress.general
- - -

 

[Annie]

I rarely use a NewsGroup, and my settings are set for me to make and use
Outlook Express Stationery, but I do see the point you're making, and I
thank you for pointing the matter out to me.
Anne
Hi Anne,

Your same day reply was not late on my end. (I'm the slow poke. But my
7 days late reply arrived just in time for your return from holiday.

Thanks for clarifying what was done. (See FYI at bottom of this message.)

(Be happy, be Very Happy.
--Richard

Apologies for replying late, I've been on holiday.
When I downloaded the fonts they downloaded as .ttf icons, however,
when I came to install those fornts they were displaying as
Irfanview Icons, ('jpeg format), I installed a trial version of
*Associate This* and re associated those Irfanview Icons back to
the Windows Font Viewer.
I couldn't install the fonts until I had reassociated them.
Anne

FYI: Usenet newsgroups are plain text groups. Your Outlook Express is using
"Quoted Printable" format with HTML for messages. That causes problems with
some newsreaders.
- - -
Proper Outlook Express settings for newsgroups:
Click Tools, click Options, click Send (tab)
Under News Sending Format, select Plain Text
To the right of that, click Plain Text Settings (button)
Under Message format, click Uuencode
Click OK, click OK.
- - -

Setting up Outlook Express to access Microsoft newsgroups
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/outlookexpressnewreader.htm

Outlook Express newsgroup:
news://msnews.microsoft.com/microsoft.public.outlookexpress.general
- - -

 

[Richard]

You're welcome.
--Richard

I rarely use a NewsGroup, and my settings are set for me to make and use
Outlook Express Stationery, but I do see the point you're making, and I
thank you for pointing the matter out to me.
Anne

Hi Anne,

Your same day reply was not late on my end. (I'm the slow poke. But my
7 days late reply arrived just in time for your return from holiday.

Thanks for clarifying what was done. (See FYI at bottom of this message.)

(Be happy, be Very Happy.
--Richard


FYI: Usenet newsgroups are plain text groups. Your Outlook Express is
using
"Quoted Printable" format with HTML for messages. That causes problems
with
some newsreaders.
- - -
Proper Outlook Express settings for newsgroups:
Click Tools, click Options, click Send (tab)
Under News Sending Format, select Plain Text
To the right of that, click Plain Text Settings (button)
Under Message format, click Uuencode
Click OK, click OK.
- - -

Setting up Outlook Express to access Microsoft newsgroups
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/outlookexpressnewreader.htm

Outlook Express newsgroup:
news://msnews.microsoft.com/microsoft.public.outlookexpress.general
- - -