Associating a File Type with a Program

Most of us seem to end up with different programs installed that handle the same file types, although not always in the same wayfor example, one program to view and organize your photos and another to edit them. You can tell Windows Vista which program you want to open which file type.

Set a Program to Always Open a File

Right-click the file that you want to be associated with a specific program, point to Open With on the shortcut menu, and choose Choose Default Program from the submenu to display the Open With dialog box.

Click the program you want to use.

Select this check box to make the program the default program for all files of this type.

Click OK.

Tip

If you choose a program listed on the shortcut menu, the file will open in that program this one time, but the program won't become the default for future use.

Tip

To set the association for any of the file types or protocols on your computer, choose Default Programs from the Start menu, and choose Associate File Types Or Protocols With A Program.