Cannot open .pub files

Question

Hi, since the beginning of having installed office, I wasn't able to open .pub files (the usual publisher format). It simply says there is no program to open it with. The same happens with the standard word format, I am unable to open them as well. I have the feeling that I might have clicked or not clicked the right button when I installed it but I have no idea how to fix it. Thanks a lot!

Answer 1

It sounds like you need to reassociate your *.pub files with Publisher.

First you need to enable hidden files and show file extensions: Go to Control Panel > Appearance and Personalization > Folder Options > View tab > Advanced settings > check Show hidden files and folders and uncheck Hide extensions for known file types > OK. Now you should be able to identify your .pub files by the extension.

Right click a .pub file > Open with and this will bring you to the Open With dialog. If Publisher is not listed as 'recommended' or 'other' programs then you need to click the browse button and drill down to where the mspub.exe file is located on your computer. It will vary with your installation but you can look:

C:/program files (x86)/microsoftoffice/office14/mspub.exe

or

C:/Program Files/Microsoft Office 2010/Office14/mspub.exe

If you were using Publisher 2007 you might find the file under Office12.

Be sure to check 'always open with this program'.

And if those instructions are not clear then here are some references:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/Change-which-programs-Windows-uses-by-default

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307859

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/9154-default-programs-associate-file-type-protocol.html

DavidF

Answer 2

Hi David, Thank you so much! Unfortunately, the 'Open With' never came up as an option. However, I watched the first video you posted and it fixed it. The files types (.pub or .doc) weren't selected to be opened with the relevant program (publisher and word) and I simply had to select them.

Thank you so much, I'm glad it's fixed now. I appreciate your quick reply.

Answer 3

Hi David, Thank you so much! Unfortunately, the 'Open With' never came up as an option. However, I watched the first video you posted and it fixed it. The files types (.pub or .doc) weren't selected to be opened with the relevant program (publisher and word) and I simply had to select them.

Thank you so much, I'm glad it's fixed now. I appreciate your quick reply.

You are welcome...glad it worked out. Thanks for the feedback. It is appreciated.

DavidF