Change File Association In Windows XP

When you double-click a file to open it, Windows XP examines the file name extension. If Windows XP recognizes the file name extension, it opens the file in the program that is associated with that file name extension.


However, you can change the program that is associated with recognized file name extensions so that Windows XP opens all files that have this extension in the new associated program.


To display file name extensions


Depending on your settings, the file name extensions of your files may not be visible. To display the file name extensions of your files if they are not visible, follow these steps:


1. Open My Computer or Windows Explorer.


2. On the Tools menu--> click Folder Options.


3. Click the View tab.


4. In the Advanced settings box--> click to clear the Hide extensions for known file types check box.


5. Click OK.


Important:


1. You cannot use this method for a file that does not have a file name extension, or for a file that has an (.exe, .com, or .bat extension).


2. If you change the program that Windows uses to open a certain kind of file, and that program was not designed for the type of data in that file, the files may not appear correctly in the program. To be safe, note the name of the program that Windows previously used to open the file type so that you can reverse your settings if it is necessary.