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
    2013-01-15T10:38:01+00:00

    Had the same problem (three years later) but your fix still works like a charm on Win7(64)

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  2. Anonymous
    2013-01-28T03:51:43+00:00

    Thank you! This totally worked for me!

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  3. Anonymous
    2013-02-01T17:35:43+00:00

    why would the file associate for an administrator and not a general user?

    I even tried to put the user in as an administrator but it still will not associate for them?

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  4. Anonymous
    2013-02-18T18:52:10+00:00

    why can't you give a straight answer? what is it with microsoft that for every simple question there is an enormously convoluted, sense- and brainless answer?

    The question is simple:

    It used to be that when one clicked a file one could open it with "open with" or select a program to open it.

    One was then given the choice of opening the file once with this program or make it the default prog.

    This no longer works.

    Now when one clicks the "open with" it says some garbage like "This file does not have a program associated with it etc"

    Now, that is the whole purpose of the "open with", TO ASSOCIATE A PROGRAM WITH THE FILE.

    The question is: WHY DO I GET THIS STUPID POP-UP WHEN WHAT I WANT IS PRECISELY THAT, TO ASSOCIATE A PROGRAM WITH THE FILE?

    How incredibly stupid does a whole section of msn developpers have to be to NOT UNDERSTAND THE IDIOCY IN THIS POLICY?

    BTW your reply answers the question about the mental efficiency = no common sense. None whatsoever.

    And 8 people found your reply helpful when your answer was not what was asked? Priceless.

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