Multiple copies of programs in "Open with"

On files of various types, when I choose the "Open With" option (on a right-click) I find I have multiple copies of programs available to choose from. For example, "Open With" on a .gif gives me the choice between 3 copies of Firefox, 2copes of ImageWell, 3 copies of Paintbrush, etc. Clicking on another .gif (in the same folder) gives only 2 copies of Firefox but 3 of ImageWell. Both ave many more programs available to choose from, but you get the idea. versions appear to be identical (i.e. the ImageWell choice is "Imagwell (3.2.2)" three times).
What's going on?

Hi
The best way to clear this is by rebuilding the Launch Services database.
Open the Terminal (from /Applications/Utilities) and copy and paste the following into the Terminal window followed by a return:
/System/Library/Frameworks/ApplicationServices.framework/Frameworks/LaunchServices.framework/Support/lsregister -kill -r -domain local -domain system -domain user
Note the command is all one line.
If you don't want to use Terminal, you could try this Clearing the Finder "Open With" contextual menu which might work for you.

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