HOW TO: Specify the Program Used to Open Certain Types of Files in Windows XP (306551)

SUMMARY

This article describes how to specify and associate the program that is used when you open certain types of files.

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How to Associate a Program with a File Type

To specify the program that opens files with certain file name extensions:

1. Click Start, click My Computer, and then locate and open the folder that contains the file type that you want to use.
2. Right-click the file that you want, and then click Properties.

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File Types That Are Recognized by Windows

If the file type is recognized by Windows, the type of file and the program that is used to open the file appears next to Type of file and Opens with on the General tab.

To change the program that is used to open this type of file:

1. On the General tab, click Change. The Opens With dialog box appears. Use one of the following methods to select the program that you want to use to open this type of file:
   • In the Programs list, click the program that you want.
   • Click Browse, locate and click the program that you want to use, and then click OK.
   • Click Look for the appropriate program on the Web to browse for the program that you want on the Internet.
2. Click to select the Always use the selected program to open this kind of file check box if it is not already selected.
3. Click OK, and then click OK.

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File Types That Are Not Recognized by Windows

If the file type is not recognized by Windows, Unknown application appears next to Opens with on the General tab. To select the program that is used to open this type of file:

1. On the General tab, click Change. The Windows dialog box appears. Click one of the following options under What do you want to do to select the program that you want to use to open this type of file.
   • Click Use the Web service to find the appropriate program, and then click OK. Your Web browser starts and you can search the Internet for the program that you want.
   • Click Select the program from a list, and then click OK. The Open With dialog box appears. Use one of the following methods to select the program that you want to use to open this type of file.
     • In the Programs list, click the program that you want.
     • Click Browse, locate and click the program that you want to use, and then click OK.
     • Click Look for the appropriate program on the Web to browse for the program that you want on the Internet.
   • Click to select the Always use the selected program to open this kind of file check box if it is not already selected.
   • Click OK, and then click OK.
2. Click to select the Always use the selected program to open this kind of file check box if it is not already selected.
3. Click OK, and then click OK.

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Troubleshooting

If you change the program that Windows uses to open certain types of files, those files may not appear correctly in that program. Make sure to select a compatible program to open the file type.

NOTE: It is a good idea to record your previous selection before changing the program that is used to open a file type. You can then easily return to the previous setting if the file is not opened correctly in the program that you specify.

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