Why do all my programs and files open with Microsoft word?

Anonymous

All my programs and files open with Microsoft Word and i need to know how to change that?

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Anonymous

I've seen this happen before when upon opening a program through a shortcut (e.g. .LNK file), you are asked what program to open it with. After selecting Word via the Select a program from a list of installed programs, and checking the Always use the selected program to open this type of file, the Word document referenced by the original shortcut opens in Word as it should.

The trouble is that now all shortcuts (e.g. .LNK files) on the desktop or throughout Explorer will want to be opened by Word. This is known as a file association. . The same condition could occur if you performed those actions on a .JPG or even an .EXE, but the .LNK explanation is far more likely.

This has happened enough that a small utility has been written to undo the .LNK file association that was created. There is a registry hack to accomplish this, but I recommend the unLNK utility for its ease of use.

I used to send people to another site to download this utility, but that site has become confusing with all the ads and false download links. I've put a copy on by own SkyDrive here.

![](https://public.blu.livefilestore.com/y1pF41wcnK-hSKN0qyVNQb3O0kLivBX2vAaJ3v1_LUMqfxvAbdzEJiE-m0xhX4E0-1n-ZF6XjMlIjSwtkUzUT2zHA/UnAssoc.PNG?psid=1)

Just download, then use the utility to unassociate the .LNK files for the User or globally Delete the file type and let Windows rebuild a new one to defaults*.*

If this proposed solution has resolved your issue(s), please return and mark it asAnswered for others to consider.

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51 additional answers

Anonymous

2011-04-05T17:54:38+00:00

Here is the full list of all the "File association" steps that I've seen proved useful before. There is no need to go beyond the step that solves the problem but all the "your computer" & Microsoft checks are fine to do in any case - they would not do any harm even if there was no fault.

On your computer

Control panel, Default programs

[IE check only] Internet explorer, Tools, Internet options, Programs - set Make default

Microsoft links [read the descriptions on the linked pages first]

Fix broken desktop shortcuts and common system maintenance tasks

Fixit When you run an .exe file on a Windows Vista-based or Windows 7-based computer, the file may start a different program

Diagnose and repair Windows File and Folder Problems automatically

and then, if necessary,

3rd party links [read the descriptions on the linked page first to make sure it matches your symptoms - only go this far if you have to]

Default File Type Associations - Restore - Windows 7 Forums

http://www.slipstick.com/problems/link_restrict.htm

Cannot open Folders or Drives "This file does not have a program associated..."

File Association Fixes for Windows 7

Best of luck,
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Anonymous

2011-03-06T04:13:09+00:00

This did not work for me, the program would not allow me to select the "remove this association" button, it remained dim after selecting the extension type. Does this program require a purchase?
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Anonymous

2011-05-10T17:55:59+00:00

Thank you! Worked in seconds. Link was a little tricky to find on the page (it's a tiny .zip file at the bottom of the page called unassoc_1_4.zip) but it's simple enough to use.
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Anonymous

2011-04-05T17:22:30+00:00

Thanks - worked great
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