messed up a file app association

[Skitterbug]

I'll start by declaring I am a MAC user and not a Win 7 fixer but my older friends insist that I can help them.

So the problem was trying to open .RAR files that contains pictures. I thought if I downloaded free Stuffit, the problem would be solved. Nope. Not only did it not open .RAR, it also messed up Windows ability to open ZIP files. I have located a free application that looks like it will fix the problem. Does anyone have any experience using this fix or is there an easier way to solve my problem. I want the ZIP files to open as they used to and I'd like to be able to open .RAR files as well.
Suggestions are very welcome! And thank you!

ps: Her system is 32bit not 64bit - if this comes into play here.

[HansV]

I'd download and install 7-Zip. This is a 100% free zip utility that can open many compressed files, including .RAR files.

[John Gray]

Worth a look through this.

The resulting default_ZIP.REG file is 7430 bytes!

[HansV]

I've found the .reg files from SevenForums to be effective, so I'm sure this one will work to restore the native Windows 7 zip functionality. But it won't help Skitterbug's friend to open .RAR files...

[Skitterbug]

I think - after reading about both ideas - I'll try the 7-Zip program first and see if it solves both problems. It would be nice to give my older friend the ability to open her files on her own. Right now, I get these files emailed to me, I open them and then email the results back a few at a time. I don't mind doing this but I believe she'd be happier being able to do it for herself. I'll post back the results when I know how it works and how she gets along with it.

Thank you Hans and John!