File Extensions, Registered Viewers, Changing File Associations

How To Change File Associations

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Let's suppose for a minute that you installed a new program and it decided to become the program that opens all jpg (picture) files. Before installing that program all your pictures used to open automatically with your favorite picture program. You liked that, so let's change it back!

Open My Computer
Select any file of the type you want to change file associations. In this example we are changing the association for jpg files.
Select a jpg file by clicking once on it
Press your right click mouse button
Select "Opens With" from the menu. If the "Open With" option does not appear, hold down the shift key and right click your mouse button again.

At this point, if you select a program from the list displayed, the file will open with that program but it won't change the file association permanently. If you want to change the file association permanently or the program that you want to use isn't there, use "Choose Program".

Change the File Association Permanently or Select A Different Program to Open the File

A window will open and it will display recommended programs and other programs that have the ability to open the file. Select the program by clicking on it. If the program does not appear and you know it will open that kind of file, click browse and browse to find the program exe file (using the browse option is recommended for advanced users).

If you want to make this association permanent, be sure to check the box, "Always use this program to open these files".

Click "OK" and you are all done!

Another Way To Change File Associations
You can also change file associations from the "Tools" menu in a My Computer or Windows Explorer window. Select "Folder Options" then the "File Types" tab.

What if someone sends you a file that you can't open? There are many free viewers available to open files such as different kinds of picture files, PowerPoint, Access, Excel and others.

NEXT... Opening Files With Free Viewers When You Don't Have A Program For the File
Page 1 - Understanding File Extensions and Registered Viewers
Page 2 - Changing File Associations
Page 3 - Opening Files With Free Viewers When You Don't Have A Program For the File

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