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Topic: Enterprise Software

How do I... Change file extension associations in Windows Vista

Summary: Like Windows XP before it, Microsoft Windows Vista relies on a system of file extensions to determine which application will be called for a particular file. To change file associations a user must navigate to the Set Associations tool. Mark Kaelin shows how it works.

Mark Kaelin

By Mark Kaelin |

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To determine which application will run when you double click a file icon, Windows Vista uses the familiar file extension system made famous (infamous) in earlier versions of Windows. And, just like the previous versions of the operating system, figuring out how to change a file extension association in Windows Vista can be a little frustrating if you don't know where to look.

© CNET Networks / TechRepublic
Mark W. Kaelin

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Topics: Enterprise Software, Microsoft, Operating Systems, Software, Windows

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5 comments
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  • How the list of programs is formed

    The new "Default Programs" tool is opt-in. That is, apps need to register themselves, and the file extensions & protocols they support, with the OS in order to show up in the list. Adobe Reader hasn't done this, so that's why it doesn't show up.
    PB_z
    Reply Vote

  • In Mac OS X, you can change individual files...

    In Mac OS X, you can change individual files so they're associated with a specific
    program, or, you can change it so all files with that extension are associated with a
    specific program.
    olePigeon
    Reply Vote

    • This isn't Mac OSX!

      Only a lame ripoff-wannabe-hack-copy-lame-imitation-piece o crap!
      An_Axe_to_Grind
      Reply Vote

      • So shy

        An_Axe_to_Grind you don't have kin foke on this board do You? Oh well back to the subject. Look An_Axe don't hold back. Tell us what you really think.
        OldMarine
        Reply Vote

  • Unfortunately...

    The old (XP) way may have been a little more complex, but it was much more versitle. In Microsoft's attempt to turn its OS into a consumer-only product, functionaity has been sacrificed for simplicity (?) or looks.

    For example, when I install Axialis IconWorkshop, the "Edit" choice on the context menu is wrong. It's very easy to fix in XP. But in Vista, you have to use Regedit or a third-party utility to fix this association.

    I complained about this during the beta, but was put-off.

    I personally think Vista is a nice OS for those who want a media-center PC. But it is not optimal for those who want to do serious work.
    Herb3
    Reply Vote
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