WD2000: Word Opens One File, Gives Error Opening Multiple Files from Windows Explorer (209575)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Word 2000

This article was previously published under Q209575

SYMPTOMS

If you attempt to open multiple Web (HTML) files from Windows Explorer by right-clicking the file selection and clicking Edit on the shortcut menu, Word opens only one file.

If you attempt to open multiple files that have different file types from Windows Explorer, such as a *.doc file and an *.htm file, by right-clicking the file selection and clicking Edit on the shortcut menu, Word opens only one file and you receive the following message for the other file type:
The file does not have a program associated with it for performing this action. Create an association in My Computer by clicking View and then clicking Folder Options.

CAUSE

You are unable to edit *.doc and *.htm files simultaneously in Word by using the Edit command in Windows Explorer.

RESOLUTION

Do not use Windows Explorer to open multiple HTML files or a combination of HTML and Word documents. Instead, to open multiple files simultaneously, do the following steps in Microsoft Word:
  1. On the File menu, click Open.
  2. In the Open dialog box, click to select all of the files you want to open.

    NOTE: To select multiple files simultaneously, select the first file, and then hold down the SHIFT key and continue selecting the other files you want to open.
  3. Click Open. Word will now open all of the files you selected in the Open dialog box.

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:12/6/2000
Keywords:kbprb KB209575