How to Disable a File Association

The WIndows registry links file types with the programs that open them.

When Windows sees a file name such as "meeting.txt," it knows that this file has a file type of "txtfile." Windows associates file types with file extensions in the registry, where it stores configuration information. When you double-click a file such as "meetings.txt," Windows knows that the ".txt" extension is associated with the "txtfile" file type and opens the program that handles "txtfile" file types. You can modify file associations or even disable them using the Windows command window.

Instructions

1. Click the Windows "Start" menu and type "cmd." Windows will display the word in the search results list.

2. Right-click "cmd" and select "Run as Administrator." The command window will open.

3. Type "assoc" (without the quotes). Windows will list all of your file extensions and their associated file types.

4. Locate the file extension that you want to disable. For example, if you want to disable your ".txt" associations, find ".txt" in the list.

5. Press "Enter." Windows will disable the file association.

Tips & Warnings

• After disabling a file association, Windows will prompt you to choose a program to open the file when you attempt to open it. This will happen until you associate the file type with a default program.

References

• MIcrosoft Windows XP: Assoc
• My Digital Life: How to Unassociate File Types and Remove File Extension Associations in Windows Vista

Resources

• ZD Net: Tr Dojo--Five Windows Command Prompt Tips Every It Pro Should Know