Problems with "File Association" in Windows 7 64-bit

Anonymous
2009-11-04T02:38:45+00:00

Although I am able to go through the "regular" process to associate a program with an extension it doesn't work.  After going through the browse process and selecting the program it brings me back to the "open with" window.  The program I've selected does not appear in the "open with" window and it appears that it is simply ignoring me.

I've also tried the "Default Programs" route but wind up at the same "open with" window that still ignores me.

Suggestions?

[EDIT]

  1. I've realized that this is probably not the proper forum for this question so feel free to ignore!
  2. I've also realized that this may be an issue with associating extensions with non-64-bit programs and appears to be a non-issue if trying to associate with a 64-bit program... go figure.
Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Files, folders, and storage

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.

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Anonymous
2009-11-22T16:57:44+00:00

After playing around a lil I think I've figured it out.. [for me at least..]

The program that you're pointing to isn't registered correctly.

In regedit: Navigate to Computer\HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Applicationsand find your .exe name.

Navigate under its name to shell>open>command. In the Default change its location to the actual location of the executable, hit okay and then try and reassociate the file type as you normally would.

Let me know if that doesn't seem to work.

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  1. Anonymous
    2011-02-21T17:56:24+00:00

    Same problem here.  I can get it to work by renaming the desired executable. If I rename the executable then I go through the steps listed above by the op it works, but if I want to keep the same name for the program (and I do), I run into the same problem. On Open With I click browse. I select the program I want. It takes me back to the open with screen and ignores my input.

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  2. Anonymous
    2011-02-19T23:32:37+00:00

    @woliss777

    Step 1: Click Start > In the start searchbox type "regedit" hit enter. Give admin access by clicking "yes"

    Step 2: This is where you need to find "Computer\HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Applications ".

    Step 3: Follow Xandragnis tutorial.

    Step 4: To change the value on "default", right click and select "modify"

    Good Luck!

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  3. Anonymous
    2011-02-19T23:18:38+00:00

    Thanks Xandragnis. This helped me. When I moved my portable apps from the desktop to the root C:/ the file associations were lost and couldn't figure out how to fix without moving them back to the desktop.

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  4. Anonymous
    2011-02-09T09:24:53+00:00

    Xandragnis, I forgot to mention...my Internet Explorer is also coming up in the Notepad.  Mostly all my desktop Icons are doing the same.  I have to get on the Internet by going through the Contro Panel.  I seriously need help.  This computer is not 2 years old and my contract is up with Dell.

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