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
    2014-11-18T17:46:46+00:00

    I have exactly the same problem - I try and change the program but it doesn't change to the program I have selected.

    I have created a new user and using that new user I get the same issue - I select the program but the current default doesn't change.  

    I am using Windows 7, 64 bit, fully up-to-date.

    Joe

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  2. Anonymous
    2014-10-28T19:04:51+00:00

    Xandragnis, will you marry me?!?!?

      Hahaha Just playing!  On a more serious note though, you are my new hero!  I've spend 3 days searching for this very same issue and how to resolve it!  Even tried uninstalling programs the 'Open With' feature kept trying to set as the default for opening my file!  Your fix was the one I needed!  It's worked like a charm, and I couldn't be any happier right now!

    Thank you, thank you, thank you!

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  3. Anonymous
    2014-10-07T14:48:18+00:00

    You should probably just buy a newer version of Office.

    If you are using Office 2000,  You have more than got your money back.  14 years is a long time..... Upgrade to office 2013 and be happy that Microsoft sells such great products.

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  4. Anonymous
    2014-09-30T19:47:48+00:00

    It does work, but you do have to find the program's current location in order to point the system in the right direction. Find your program (wherever you open it) and right-click. Choose "Open File Location". This will give you the location of the .exe file. That's what you need to copy/paste using Xandragnis' instructions. Hope that helps!

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