• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Technostarry

  • Home
  • Windows 8
  • Android
  • iOS
  • Web Apps
  • Web Browser
  • Hardware
  • About

How to Handle File Type Association In Windows 7

December 30, 2011 by Saqib 1 Comment

How many times have we faced the problem when we double-click the file it prompts us to “Open With”. In this article, we’ll learn how to solve/fix file type associations in Windows 7.

When working on the PC, we really don’t like that “open with” menu every time. Many users also face the problem that after installing a new application, file associations are changed automatically. For example, after installing Winamp, if you set Winamp as default media player for audio and video files, then your previous settings will be changed and Winamp will be used to open any audio/video file. There are two ways to solve this problem, read on.

What Are File Type Associations

In simple sense, file associations define which application is used to open a particular file type. For example, a AVI file can open with Windows Media Player (which is the default media player in Windows) or you can install any other media player like GOM player, K-Lite Codec Pack, etc. When installing applications, you will be asked whether you want this application to be the default application for opening video files, for example. Another example is while installing Firefox, it prompts whether you would like Firefox to be the default browser or not. If you select “Yes” then Firefox will be the new default browser and whenever you open any HTML file, Firefox will be used to open that file.

Therefore, there’s no need to blindly click on “Next” during installation, instead follow the process carefully and this should avoid many file type association problems.

How to Change/Fix Bad File Association

If you’ve accidentally associate a program that cannot open that particular file type, then it can create problem. That file won’t open until and unless we set the proper program to open it. To change or fix file association, follow the below process:

Right click on the file and click on “Open with”.

open with

A new window will open and from here you can select a program of your choice from “Other programs” list. If the program that you are looking for is not in this menu, then click on “Browse” button to find the application manually.

open with menu

Find the application and click on OK. If you want to always use this application to open the file, then check the box that says “Always use the selected program to open this kind of file”. Now whenever this type of file is opened, the selected application will be launched.

Fix File Associations from Control Panel

This is yet another method to fix file type associations. Click on Start > Default Programs (If you’re not able to see this option then go to Start > Control Panel > Programs > Default Programs). A window will appear with different options.

default programs

The first two options can help you configure/fix just about any file type association issues. Click on “Set your default programs”. You’ll be presented with a list of programs that are installed in the computer. Click on any program for e.g. Firefox. After selecting, you can see two options, “Set this program as default” and “choose defaults for this program”. If you want Firefox to associate with only a certain type of files, then choose the second option. And if you want this program to open all file types and protocols it can open by default, then choose the first option.

change file association

The second option which is – “Associate a file type or protocol with a program” can help you change default program for each and every extension. For e.g. you want MP4 to open with “Media Player Classic” program. Search for the MP4 extension, select it and then click on “Change program”.

file type

Configuring file associations from control panel can help you change the default program that is associated with that particular extension. This gives more control over our choice. Hope this fixes all your file type association and open with woes.

Also read: Tips to speed up slow PC

Filed Under: Windows

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Pepper says

    January 15, 2012 at 6:16 am

    That insight’s pefcert for what I need. Thanks!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

STAY CONNECTED

  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

SUBSCRIBE

Subscribe now to get the latest updates from this blog right to your Inbox

Recent Posts

  • 6 Things to Remember Before Buying a Micro SD Card
  • 5 Best Android Stock Market Apps for India
  • Facebook App Alternatives for Android , and Why You Should Use Them
  • Kindle Oasis vs Voyage vs Paperwhite: Which one to Buy

Footer

Links

  • About
  • Subscribe
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Privacy Policy

Books on cloud storage services:

  • Mastering OneDrive And Office Online
  • Mastering Google Drive and Docs (With Tips)
  • Mastering Dropbox with Useful Tips and Apps

Must Read Articles

  • How to Change Default Apps on Android
  • 6 Tips to Increase Battery Life on Android 4.4 KitKat Devices
  • How to Transfer Documents and Files to your Kindle
  • 5 Best Free Offline Dictionary Apps for Android

© Copyright 2016 Technostarry · All Rights Reserved ·