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
    2009-12-05T13:58:12+00:00

    Xandragnis helped us as well; the path to the application was not registered correctly for some reason.   Wonder if there is a way to check all the app paths in Computer\HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Applications rather than manually? Also running x64.  Thanks Xandragnis! Peace.

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  2. Anonymous
    2009-11-22T16:48:39+00:00

    Quick update.... 

    Oddly enough, if the folder of the program I'm trying to use as the exe for the file type is on the Desktop, it will appear correctly. If it's in the root [C:] or "Program Files"  /  "Program Files (x86)" - it will not show up.. Strange, yes/no?

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  3. Anonymous
    2009-11-22T16:40:49+00:00

    I have the same issue, Christopher. Mine's a .mkv association - only happened after I moved the .exe from it's original location. I've attempted clearing the associations from the registry as I figured a possible corruption.

    Still nada..

    After trying to reassociate the file again and again, once you navigate to the .exe for it to execute through, it doesn't show the icon or program to chose that you've just navigated to.

    Hmmmmm

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  4. Anonymous
    2009-11-16T17:26:23+00:00

    I have the exact same problem.

    File association worked fine on XP. It does not on Windows 7. I believe what the OP meant by the usual steps was indeed what you listed as step 1-5

    I had tried that and got the same result. After highlighting the desired executable in the browse window and hitting OK, you are taken back to the open with dialog and the executable you just selected does not appear there. Instead notepad is highlighted. Click ok and the file type is associated with notepad instead of the executable you just told it to associate with.

    Please unmark your answer. It is not the answer.

    Here is a copy of my technet forum post with the same issue:

    It associates fine on XP. However, when I installed Windows 7 it refuses to associate. I cannot figure out how to fix the problem.

    I have a shortcut to a .lbr file on my desktop

    I have a .exe in my program files\company name\program name

    I go to control panel->default programs->associate a file type or protocol with a program

    scroll down to .lbr and highlight it

    click change program...

    browse to the .exe

    double click the .exe

    The open with window only shows notepad and if I hit OK it associates with notepad. The program I just browsed and clicked on doesn't show up, nor is the associattion made.

    The program is just sits in its own directory. I believe it was developed without an installer. So, I can only assume associations do not work on 7 if programs didn't go through an entore install process. It is often you just have little executables that reside entirely in thier own directory that don't have installers.

    How to get this association working?

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