How to Edit File Associations in Windows XP
with
Don Schechter
Did you know you can control which software opens which file extensions on your computer in Windows XP? Learn how to edit file asssociations and default to your favorite programs.
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Transcript: How to Edit File Associations in Windows XP
Hi. I'm Don Schechter for About.com Computing.Why Edit File Associations
Today I'll show you how to edit file associations in Windows XP. Sometimes when installing new software, it can overwrite the file associations for other software. Follow these steps to change the default file association so that double clicking a file will open the program you choose instead of the last program you installed.Association by File Type
First, find the file of the type you want to associate to a program. I'll choose a JPG picture.Right click the icon and a menu will appear. Choose Open with… A window will open asking you to choose a program to open that file type.
Pick a program from the list. I'll choose Photoshop.
If the program isn't on your list, choose Other to navigate to another file or program on your hard drive.
Windows File Association Caution
Make sure the program to which you associate a file type that is capable of opening that type of file.Thanks for watching. For more information, please visit us online at Computing.About.com