Set Default Program

Windows XP designates certain programs to be the default program.

There are two types of default programs. The first type of default program is related to the Internet: your email, Web browser, instant messaging, and music/video player. The other type of default program is the program that opens when you double-click a certain type of document file.

Often when you install a new program it will ask you if you want it to become the default. If it doesn't, or if you said no, you can still tell Windows XP that you want it to be the default.

First, we'll assign Firefox as the default Web browser. (Firefox is a free Web browser you can download from http://www.mozilla.org.)

Go to the Start menu and choose Control Panel.

In the Control Panel, double-click the Add or Remove Programs icon.

A dialog appears showing programs you've previously installed.

Internet Explorer is still available to you if you want to use it. However, when Windows or another program calls for a Web browser, Firefox will launch.