How to Change an XML File Extension to Open by Default in Word 2007

Microsoft Office 2007 introduced several new file extensions, such as DOCX in Word, XLSX in Excel and PPTX in PowerPoint. These new file extensions fall under the "Open XML" category. XML files are more compact, easier to recover when damaged and offer better security than prior versions of these files. Configure Windows settings to always open documents with XML file extensions in Word 2007.

Things You'll Need

• Windows XP, Vista or 7

Instructions

1. Right-click the "Start" button and select "Explore" or "Open Windows Explorer." A new Windows Explorer window will open.

2. Navigate to your "My Documents" or "Documents" folder, or any other location on your computer that contains XML files with the extension you want to assign to Word 2007.

3. Right-click a file with that XML extension. Point to "Open With" and select "Choose Default Program." The "Open With" dialog box will open.

4. Click the "Browse" button. Find and select "Microsoft Word 2007." Click the "Open" button.

5. Select the "Always Use the Selected Program to Open This Kind of File" check box. Click "OK" and close the "Explorer" window.

Tips & Warnings

• Microsoft Word XML files include DOCX for documents, DOCM for macro-enabled documents, DOTX for templates and DOTM for macro-enabled templates.

References

• Microsoft Office Online: Introduction to New File-Name Extensions
• Microsoft Support: How to Change or Select Which Program Starts When You Double-Click a File