How to Repair or Change File Associations

Windows users know that files of certain types are tied to certain programs such that double-clicking on that file will cause it to open in a particular program. For example, clicking on a DOC file will open the file in Microsoft Word. This is done because Windows has associated DOC files with Microsoft Word. Sometimes the file associations get screwed up and don\’t work. If there is no program associated with a file type, the file will display with a blank icon and double-clicking that file will cause Windows to ask you what program to use to open it.

You can repair your file associations easily. In Windows Explorer, click on Tools > Folder Options. Then click on the File Types tab. Windows will look for all file types on your system and display them. Scroll down and find the file type you need to associate with a program. To edit it, highlight the file type and click "Change". Select the program from the list to open the file type with. If the program you need is not displayed, click "Browse" and go find the EXE file of the program you want to open the file with. Save your changes with the "OK" button. To add a brand new file type, you can hit the "New" button, type in the name of the file extension and save.

Free eBook!

Like what you read?

If so, please join over 28,000 people who receive our exclusive weekly newsletter and computer tips, and get FREE COPIES of 5 eBooks we created, as our gift to you for subscribing. Just enter your name and email below:

Post A Comment Using Facebook

Discuss This Article (Without Facebook)

3 comments

  1. Michael Doser /

    problem…in windows 98se…all thumbnail views disappeared from every folder on all three hard drives…but the thumbnail option remained…what is the default thumbnail viewer for windows 98se?..that is to ask, what file is creating the thumbnail views in windows explorer?…is it the same file that opens the graphic images when you double-click on them?
    i ask this cuz in folder options/file types there are file extensions for graphic images missing…such as .bmp, .tif, .gif and the .jpg file will not open at all

  2. i boot up and go to the main sceen where my icons are and all it does it reboot up again . how can i fix the problum.

  3. Jane Radley /

    Thanks for that tip David, it sounds easy but what if we encounter unknown file extensions and don’t know the correct program to associate it to? I think there are free software such as this http://rescuedata.org/file_extensions_repair.html claiming to fix this kind of problem, but if they can really do it as they claim to be, then why don’t microsoft just make such software for itself? I think microsoft only has find a program service, but not a software that automatically does it. What do you think of these software?

Leave a Reply

PCMech Insider Cover Images - Subscribe To Get Your Copies!
Learn More
Every week, hundreds of tech enthusiasts, computer owners
and geeks read The Insider, the digital magazine of PCMech.

What’s Your Preference?

Daily Alerts

Each day we send out a quick email to thousands of PCMECH readers to notify them of new posts. This email is just a short, plain email with titles and links to our latest posts. You can unsubscribe from this service at any time.

You can subscribe to it by leaving your email address in the following field and confirming your subscription when you get an email asking you to do so.

Enter your email address for
Daily Updates:

Weekly Newsletter

Running for over 6 years, the PCMECH weekly newsletter helps you keep tabs on the world of tech. Each issue includes news bits, an article, an exclusive rant as well as a download of the week. This newsletter is subscribed to by over 28,000 readers (many who also subscribe to the other option) - come join the community!

To subscribe to this weekly newsletter simply add your email address to the following field and then follow the confirmation prompts. You will be able to unsubscribe at any time.

Enter your email address for
Free Weekly Newsletter: