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