'Open file with this program' problems

Question

This is something that has bugged me about Windows for some time now. If you have a file with an extension that Windows doesn't know, it will prompt you to look at a list of its known programs or go to the internet to find something appropriate (this is the "Open file with this program" dialogue box). If you go to the dialogue box with the list of known programs, there is a check box at the bottom asking if you always want to use this program to open files with this extension. If you move too fast and forget to uncheck it, then you can find yourself having assigned the wrong program to this file type. This is not a big deal--just annoying--if you can find the right program for this file type as there is a simple way to change to that correct file type which Windows explains. What I haven't found, as yet, is the following:

How can I change the default for the "always open with" check box in the program list dialogue box so that it is always unchecked?
Once I have accidentally assigned the wrong program to a file type, but can't find (or don't want to take the time to find) the right program, how can I change it back to "program unknown" which is the way it started? There is nothing on this in Windows that I can find and it certainly isn't a choice given, at least through the normal routes.

So if anyone can help me with this one, I would be most grateful, as I am currently in that situation, only this time it's a bit more serious than in the past episodes.

Many thanks!

msil217 · Answer

I think you can do that by going (in Windows explorer)

Tools--folder options--File types

Find the extension (like "thr", "psd", etc) of the mystery File, click on it, and click "delete".

Hope this helps.

Denny Denham · Answer

BetsyW,

Once a file type has been associated incorrectly there are two ways to correct the error. Both methods involve opening Windows Explorer. Once it is opened:

1. Find one of the incorrectly associated files and right-click. Select "Open with" from the context menu and on the next dialog click the "Choose program" link at the bottom. Choose the correct program from the list that appears then check the box that tells Windows to always use that application to open that file type.

2. Go to Tools|Folder Options|Files Types tab. Scroll down to the file type in question then in the "Details for XXXX extension box" where the "open with" application is show, click the "Change" button and select the proper application from the list.

msil217 · Answer

Don't check the box, and you should be fine (hopefully)   As far as knowing stuff?? Personally I learn from experimenting with my computer (I had to reinstall XP dozens of times, because I like to tinker, then I got Go-Back)   And from forums like this one, and Google. Knowing what key words to use is sometimes tricky.   Like your problem.   Maybe google 'change file association' or  'reset file association' , etc, etc.   You may have to try different keywords.      I don't have as many years experience as some, but what makes a user helpful is if they had the EXACT problem, and found a solution.   I'm glad you have your problem solved. This forum is awesome!!!:smileyhappy:

BetsyW · Answer

Thank you both very much. I learned some very useful things which I appreciate. I'd love to know how you figure these things out as I go nuts trying to find the answers in the Help Info provided, but never do.

Now is there a way to set a default so that the pesky "always open with this program" checkbox is never checked? That's what got me in the jam to begin with!

Thanks again.

BetsyW

wroberts1 · Answer

I am having this issue with Vista, is there any help for this issue?

wroberts1 · Answer

On top of that, it is a zip file that I'm trying to download.  It will let me download it but when I try to open it it prompts me to choose a program.  Some how I chose the wrong program and it will not open.  When I try to open it with Winzip I continue to get the message... 'cannot open file; it does not appear to be a vaild archive.  If you downloaded this file.  try downloading the file again.'  Well I continue to redownload it and it doesn't work.   How do I reset it back to where the system chose the program form me and my life was happy? Message Edited by wroberts1 on 09-02-2008 07:17 PM

Windows General

"Open file with this program" problems

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