change default open program

Question

Here's the deal, I downloaded a text doc, (.doc), I don't have a program currently loaded that will open this document.. I was going to try some of the programs, adobe as an example, to try and open this text.. When I clicked on the adobe icon to try and open, I must have forgot to uncheck the (make this the default opening program) box, or whatever it is now called in Vista... I need to know what the procedure is to undo what I did so as to still have a choice of programs to pick from when opening any type of text program.. I want to make the choice in what program I use, I don't want a default to do it for me. I can undo it in Win98, I don't know how in Vista, thanks

OldMom · Answer

Just right click on the document you want to open, select 'Open With,' then 'Choose Default Program.' You'll see a selection of 'Recommended Programs' and a plus sign + to select from 'Other Programs.'   However, before you choose the program, unclick the box that says 'Always use the selected program to open this type of file.'   Select your program, click 'OK,' and you're good to go.

Mary G · Answer

That's a Word document and you can read it with Word pad, but that's all you can do with it. No editing or changing. Right click on the file, choose Open with and DO check 'Always use this program....' so it reclaims the default program for Word files. It will have lots of unreadable formatting symbols, but the text will be readable. Text files (.txt extension)can be read with Notepad or any text editor such as Editpad. Adobe Reader is for .pdf files.

Rebel9 · Answer

Mary G, 'That's a Word document and you can read it with Word pad'   W R O N G ! ! ! Again Mary, why don't you be sure that you know what you are talking about BEFORE posting INCORRECT answers, time after time. Vista's version of WordPad will NOT open .doc (Word) files. Do you actually have Vista installed on any of your computers, and if so, have you actually used or tested any of its features or applications?     Message Edited by Rebel9 on 12-16-2007 09:45 PM

reddice · Answer

OpenOffice can read word files. Just not Word 2007 files. At least not yet.

Windows General

change default open program

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