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
    2009-12-12T00:15:19+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.

    Actually this most often happens when you have an earlier version of the program and you upgrade.  Like from Photoshop 7 to Photoshop CS3.  The uninstaller does not remove the registry keys like it should.

    -D-

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  3. Anonymous
    2009-12-17T12:30:43+00:00

    Hello,  I am having the same problem as Jennifer.  I have Windows 7 64-bit, and I have already paid for a copy of Microsoft Word 2000 (also called WINWORD.EXE).  Naturally, I want to continue using the program I have, rather than down-grading to Microsoft Works, or paying another $147 for Microsoft Word 2007.  I have successfully installed Word 2000, and am able to open that program and use it.

    Unfortunately, I cannot seem to associate DOC files with this program.  It does not appear in my list of Default Programs, and when I try to add that program to the list, it simply does not appear.  Windows 7 is ignoring Word 2000 (probably on purpose).  I have tried to manually associate the DOC files to Word 2000, and again, Windows 7 ignores the program and the list of available programs is still limited to Microsoft Works.

    Now what do I do?!

    Todd P.

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  4. Anonymous
    2009-12-17T13:55:18+00:00

    I tried doing that for C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office\WINWORD.EXE but it did not work.

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