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

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
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.

Was this answer helpful?

300+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments

249 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2012-03-15T17:17:14+00:00

    I agree that there are times we geeks need to use the REGEDIT answer, but for my users, this was the BEST answer.

    Use this option to choose which programs you want Windows to use, by default. 

    If a program does not show up in the list, you can make the program a default by using Set Associations.

        1.  Open Default Programs by clicking the Start button, and then clicking Default Programs.

        2.  Click Associate a file type or protocol with a program.

        3.  Click the file type or protocol that you want the program to act as the default for.

        4.  Click Change program.

        5.  Click the program that you want to use as the default for the file type you selected, or click the arrow next to

             Other   Programs to show additional programs. (If you don't see Other Programs, or your program

         is not listed,

             click Browse to find the program you want to use, and then click Open

        6.  Click OK

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2012-03-15T11:08:03+00:00

    Copy the text below exact and name it exefix.reg.

    It's designed for XP but also works with Windows 7 too.

    Copy below.......

    Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

    [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT.exe]

    @="exefile"

    "Content Type"="application/x-msdownload"

    [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT.exe\PersistentHandler]

    @="{098f2470-bae0-11cd-b579-08002b30bfeb}"

    [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile]

    @="Application"

    "EditFlags"=hex:38,07,00,00

    "TileInfo"="prop:FileDescription;Company;FileVersion"

    "InfoTip"="prop:FileDescription;Company;FileVersion;Create;Size"

    [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile\DefaultIcon]

    @="%1"

    [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile\shell]

    [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile\shell\open]

    "EditFlags"=hex:00,00,00,00

    [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile\shell\open\command]

    @=""%1" %*"

    [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile\shell\runas]

    [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile\shell\runas\command]

    @=""%1" %*"

    [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile\shellex]

    [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile\shellex\DropHandler]

    @="{86C86720-42A0-1069-A2E8-08002B30309D}"

    [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile\shellex\PropertySheetHandlers]

    [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile\shellex\PropertySheetHandlers\PEAnalyser]

    @="{09A63660-16F9-11d0-B1DF-004F56001CA7}"

    [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile\shellex\PropertySheetHandlers\PifProps]

    @="{86F19A00-42A0-1069-A2E9-08002B30309D}"

    [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile\shellex\PropertySheetHandlers\ShimLayer Property Page]

    @="{513D916F-2A8E-4F51-AEAB-0CBC76FB1AF8}"

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2012-03-05T18:33:54+00:00

    Had the problem too and found the registry fix on this page but didn't help me much. Than I've added the %1 at the end of the command in the registry key (after the full path and program).

    That did the tric!

    e.g. "C:\Program Files\PSPad Editor\PSPad.exe %1"

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2012-02-17T21:53:49+00:00

    WOW... I'm a programmer and I didn't look at the obvious.... Thanks

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments