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Where did file associations go in Windows Vista?

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Summary: Several things are slightly different in Windows Vista, and the location of the File Associations dialog is just one.

I'm using windows Vista, how do I set file associations here? There is no files type tab in Windows Explorer Folders Options.

I read this question and went "huh?". But you're absolutely right; the file association dialog that we've come to love and hate that's been part of Windows Explorer is no longer there.

The question, of course, is where did it go? To a more logical place perhaps, but with nary a clue as to how to find it.

File associations are used to tell Windows what program opens what kind of file. For example after you install Microsoft Office, file associations tell Windows that a ".doc" file should be opened by Microsoft Word.

In the past when we've needed to view or modify these settings, we'd fire up Windows Explorer, click on Tools, Folder Options... and then the File Types tab. Only one problem on Vista: it's not there:

Folder Options dialog on Vista

On Vista we instead open up Control Panel:

Click on Programs:

Control Panel - Programs highlighting file associations link

Finally we see something that sounds appropriate. Click on Make a file type always open in a specific program:

Vista's file associations dialog

It'll take a few seconds to load up as it scans the registry for all the settings to be displayed. Once loaded, you can then change which programs open which file types.

Why the move?

It's hard to say, though I do frequently fault Microsoft for changing things that simply don't need to be changed. There's an argument that this should always have been in Control Panel and I actually agree with that. But to move it, without even a hint or a clue as to where to go instead, seems fairly unhelpful.

Article C3133 - August 28, 2007

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Recent Comments
39 Comments

Sorry to appear stupid, but I couldn't find ".doc" on the list. I cannot open these files on Vista. It tells me to "Set Association". Any help please?
Cheers.............Eddie

Posted by: Eddie Gibbs at February 10, 2010 4:55 AM

hi
as soon as i install adobe crbrat pdf all my desktop icons changing to be pdf files can u please helping m to solve it out

Posted by: khalide lfafarsi at February 16, 2010 10:43 AM

OMG I was getting so aggravated trying to figure out how do this, I could just kiss you Leo, thanks!

Posted by: Daisy at March 4, 2010 8:01 PM

All of that stuff does not answer the question.
What file association opens .doc in Vista?

.doc is typically a Microsoft Word document.
Leo
19-Mar-2010

Posted by: Patricia A. Knaak at March 18, 2010 11:41 AM

please i don't the make a file type always open ...

Posted by: michael at March 20, 2010 4:38 AM

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