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

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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
    2012-01-07T14:31:55+00:00

    This worked,

    Thank You

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  2. Anonymous
    2011-12-27T23:12:24+00:00

    I figured out a solution that works for me.

    When you go through the wizard to find the program you WANT to open it... before clicking 'open', right click on the icon on in question and just rename it to program.exe     - Then click 'open' and it will appear in the windows lists of programs.... stupid huh!

    you just need to 'rename' the executable to have the .exe bit on the end     Then windows 7 seems to realise its a valid program  hope it helps someone else out

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  3. Anonymous
    2011-12-22T02:12:16+00:00

    I had a similiar problem but when i went to fix the file association i didn't uncheck a box that (i think) said: Associate with ALL programs.  Now every program on the User Acc is a shortcut to the file i was trying to fix.  I tried deleting the specified file but this did not help.  Any ideas?

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  4. Anonymous
    2011-12-16T21:21:29+00:00

    I am trying to use a portable app so it is not in the registry and I don't want it there. Another instance of big brother MS taking care of us. I hate to tell them but I already have a mother. I don't need them playing that role. 

    I started out feeling that way too about trying to create associations for my portable apps... until I realized that didn't make sense anyway, if the apps are truly to be used as portables.

    However, for portable apps and for standalone (not installed) programs, try eXpresso, which creates temporary file association overrides. Stable version 1.3.1 is available here: http://portableapps.com/node/27101

    It works fine for me on my Win7-64 computer. I run it from my portable drive but it can be placed on the hard drive and run at startup. You'll only need to set up associations for those specific apps you want to use... and when you're done, it leaves nothing changed on the computer.

    This way you can avoid trying to edit the registry, which is not something I'd recommend for most people anyway, just to associate a standalone program.

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