How to Change File Associations in Windows Vista

A file association in Windows tells the operating system what program to use by default to open a particular file.

A file association in Windows tells the operating system what program to use to open a particular file. Every file is associated with a default program even if multiple programs on the computer are able to open it. If a Windows user prefers to use a third-party program to open a specific file or have trouble opening a specific file, they can change the file association using the Default Programs console.

Instructions

1. Click the "Start" button and select "Default Programs" from the list on the right.

2. Click the "Associate a file type or protocol with a program" link. The computer will take some time to load all the settings.

3. Find and click the file association you want to change. Click the "Change Program" button.

4. Select the program from the list of suggestions or click the "Browse" button and navigate to the program you wish to use. Click "OK" when you have finished.

References

• Microsoft: Change which programs Windows uses by default