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
    2012-05-30T21:08:33+00:00

    This worked for me

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  2. Anonymous
    2012-06-27T07:10:07+00:00

    For me, I had problems associating .pptx to powerpoint. Whenever I tried to, the default programs was Microsoft Office Component and it couldn't open files. I read the top solution and after some digging around, I found the solution:

    When you open "file associate" and select "browse" the windows that pops up automatically directs you to "C:/program files" but instead, open "C:/programfilesX86" and go to microsoft office, and into office14. Scroll down and you'll find the actual applications. Select the right one to associate with.

    This is what fixed my problem.

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  3. Anonymous
    2012-06-30T19:07:28+00:00

    That worked for me too.  Thanks so much for the reply.

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  4. Anonymous
    2012-07-10T20:18:45+00:00

    In case this might help someone, let me tell you how I solved the same problem today for a friend to whom I provide tech support.  The specific issue: A .pps attachment to an e-mail.  When I checked 'Default Programs' on his computer, it showed Microsoft PowerPoint as the default program for .pps files (he has MS Office Professional fully installed, so has PP on his HD).  Despite that, .pps e-mail attachments would not open.

    Opened 'Default Programs' again, and clicked "Associate a file type. . ."  On the list of file types, the Current Default for .pps is (hold onto your hat) Microsoft Word.  But double-clicking the .pps file type opened a window showing Microsoft PowerPoint as the "recommended program".  Clicked on it.  .pps listing STILL SHOWS MICROSOFT WORD AS THE CURRENT DEFAULT.  Tried Browse button and maneuvered to the Office folder containing the POWERPNT.EXE file, and clicked it.  Didn't work; Current Default still listed as Microsoft Word.

    Tried a third time, but this time selected "Other Programs".  In that window, TWO programs appeared at the top, PowerPoint and Word.  Word was highlighted, PowerPoint was not.  Clicked on PowerPoint. IT  WORKED!!!!!!!!!!  Associated files list now showed PowerPoint as the Current Default program.  Confirmed by clicking on a .pps attachment to an e-mail and it opened.

    Conclusion: Win 7's file association subroutine doesn't work properly (an understatement!).  Why M$ has not fixed this horrendous bug is beyond me.  I'm hoping SP2 will fix the problem, but am not holding my breath.  The programmers in Redmond are TOTALLY out of touch with the computing public.

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