One of the most common problems that Window users face are understanding file associations and also how to change them. Before I proceed I want to explain that this procedure is not for the newbie, unless you like living life in the fast lane, since it could pose problems on your system.

First, what are file associations? File associations are what Microsoft uses to have a file opened by the correct program. The most common example is the .doc extension which opens Microsoft word. Notice the .doc This is the three letter extension that is attached to all Windows files. The three letter extension is affixed to a file name when it is saved on a system so that the file can be opened by the correct program.

When you install a new software program, it may change the file associations. Microsoft has a website dedicated on how to change file associations. On their site they state:

You can specify that files with certain file name extensions are always opened in the same program. You can also modify an existing file type to change its association with a program. You can work with file associations in Microsoft Windows Explorer or My Computer. This article describes how to change file associations in Microsoft Windows XP.

Microsoft article on how to change file associations can be found here.

Comments welcome.

[tags] microsoft, winfows, file associations, change,[/tags]