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
    2012-12-02T01:25:31+00:00

    Associations are now something that I do directly in the registry now, I just gave up on Microsoft fixing this issue, they see interested only in Windows 8. They now seem to be a company that will turn out an operating system only to abandon it after a few years for something totally new. It is obvious that Bill Gates is no longer running the company, this would not be happening under his leadership.

    Assuming we all went to Windows 8, how long would it be before they can it for Windows 9? I no longer have the faith in the longevity of any product from Microsoft

    Congratulations Microsoft, you have successfully become Apple...

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  2. Anonymous
    2012-12-01T19:54:11+00:00

    Using Windows 7 Home Premium

    Here we are in December 2012, three years after the original post, and the only work-arounds are to use a third-party tool, or to edit the Registry.

    I followed Xandragnis's advice on editing the Registry, to get the Open command to point to the correct executable file.

    At this late date, the loss of the tool that was available in XP is inexcusable.

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  3. Anonymous
    2012-11-06T16:51:46+00:00

    And unfortunately this is still true today. Years after Windows 7 was released. How hard can this be Microsoft? I am a software developer and I just went thru this process. I changed it correctly in the default programs and finally had to change the path directly in the registry. This is pretty ridiculous given the importance of file associations.

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  4. Anonymous
    2012-10-31T17:55:48+00:00

    Great!! Thanks a lot man!!! I did what you said and it worked perfectly, I had a little trouble finding this "regedit" thing But it worked. The easiest way to open "regedit" is by pressing the "windows" button in the keyboard plus "R" key, then a dialog box will appear type "regedit" and then follow the instructions of the other post.

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