Problems with "File Association" in Windows 7 64-bit

Anonymous

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]

I've realized that this is probably not the proper forum for this question so feel free to ignore!
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.

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.

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Anonymous

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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249 additional answers

Anonymous

2010-03-10T00:31:00+00:00

Yep, a really confusing zone of Win7. I've been scratching around in similar fashion but to change a default icon. The result was to use a small standalone proggie from nirsoft, FileTypesMan v1.56, and this gave me access to all I required.

There is a 64-bit d/l option which I've used (81 KB).

Right-click on the applicable ext in the list and select between various options.

Jump directly to the registry entry if you wish. Try it regarding file association, it may reduce the pain.

Maybe it will help somewhat because you can skip the control panel and/or godmode and get to it fast.
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Anonymous

2010-03-08T18:09:32+00:00

It's great that there's a workaround, but it would be reassuring to hear that this has been acknowledged as a bug in Windows 7 and is slated to be fixed in a future release.

Also, it's frustrating that once a program has been associated with an extension, that program is permamently (barring use of RegEdit) listed as a Recommended Program. It would be helpful to have a way of removing the associated program.
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Anonymous

2010-03-07T18:41:51+00:00
I have been recently struggling with precisely the same problem - running a new installation of Office 7 with Windows 7. All .rtf files associated fine with the new program but .docs did not. Thankfully I found Xandragnis post, too, which fixed the problem
- my registry still pointing to the old installation of Office when I was running XP! I changed that as advised above and thankfully all is well again. So thank you Xandragnis and thank you Cody. Good to see.
Now can rest peacefully again. :)

Nick
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Anonymous

2010-03-03T03:12:37+00:00

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to clear up some of the confusion.

Syed's response did suggest creating a new profile, which the OP had not mentioned in their first post. Since the OP didn't return for over 7 days, it is assumed these steps resolved the issue and is then marked as answer.

Since Xandragnis' post has resolved this issue for multiple users, I have now marked his post as the answer.

Thanks for your continued use of Microsoft Answers!

Cody C

Microsoft Answers Support Engineer

Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.
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