File Associations

Question

Hello,

 I need a way to re-establish file extension to program associations.

In Word, .doc and .docx do not invoke WINWORD.EXE from the Windows Explorer list of word files with either of these extensions. The error is a popup box with a big red X and the message:

 "Windows cannot find 'C:\fullpath\filename'. Make sure you typed the name correctly and try again."

If  I paste the path and name in the Word File name box and click open the file does open.

I have tried to correct the associations using the two usual methods:

1)  Settings > Control Panel > Default Programs > Associate a file type r protocol with a program

 > choose .doc or .docx > Select Word > OK

and

2. Windows Explorer > rt click a .doc or .docx file > open with > chose default program > Select Word >

Tick always use the selected program to open this kind of file > OK

Both methods fail to correct the association.

I have also tried to set the association of a trial file to works word processor then back to word. That did not work.    

Is there a way to fix this?

Thanks

Frank C

Vista Ultimate 64 bit SP2

Office Home and Student 2007

Dell Inspiron 530S

***Moved to *Office Topic: Microsoft Office Word* from *Microsoft Office Access* the database software

Answer 1

Hello,

 I spent an inordinate amount of time trying to correct a problem in Word 2007 where I could not open a file from Windows Explorer.

I finally elected to work around the problem by opening Word first and then with Word open, use Explorer to open the desired file.

This worked fine but it was a little inconvenient. I believe the problem was in some registry entries that I had messed up.

 Now, a miracle has occurred. Since the Windows update of 10/15/2014, Word works like it used to.

I can only conclude that the update in KB2883031 or KB2883032 fixed the problem.

Frank C

Answer 2

Additional information.

 I have found if I open Word, then open Windows explorer and click on a .doc or a .docx, the file will open.  If I close that word and try to open a second file the error occurs as before. If I keep word open I can click as many .doc or .docx files as I want from explorer and they will open.

There must be a simple fix for this problem but I can't find it. Any help will be appreciated.

Thanks

Frank C

Answer 3

Thanks Charles K,

I have but one version of word. I do have Microsoft Works.

 Re-register went one half way on the progress bar then blinked off to the desktop screen with no messages.

Repair ended with "Did not complete successfully. An unexpected error occurred"

I can't find much in Event Viewer except; "Windows Installer service entered the stop state"

Frank C

Answer 4

Try re-registering Word. If that does not work, try a repair.

To re-register it, on the Start menu look for the search box under programs or click on the Run command.

In the box paste the following:

"winword.exe" /r

Then press Enter.

Note there is space before the slash.

If you have more than one version of Word on your computer, do not do this, write back for more instructions.