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

Anonymous
2010-04-27T00:59:41+00:00

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

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Apps

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
Anonymous
2010-04-27T01:52:46+00:00

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.

Was this answer helpful?

40+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments

51 additional answers

Sort by: Newest
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2013-06-28T22:34:29+00:00

    This worked great. Thanks!

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2013-06-21T04:02:24+00:00

    thnx alot this works

    my all files are back with their associated softwares

    Thnx alot..

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2013-05-22T16:44:03+00:00

    Thank you!! The tricky part for me was figuring out how to actually open a Internet browser (as everything was trying to open in word). After that it was one download and two clicks, and everything was right as rain!

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2013-05-09T16:15:21+00:00

    @dcwjr;

    Thanks for the followup post and for bringing this older thread to my attention. The site that originally referred to in my reply post has become confusing with all of the false download links and 'fix-your-computer' snake oil. A while back, I put a copy of this handy utility on my own SkyDrive for a direct download and I've updated my original reply to reflect this.

    Again, thanks for bringing this to my attention and yes, he was a trusted companion.

    BR,

    Jeeped

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments