Microsoft Word configuration process

Question

I have a 2007 version of word on my pc and the 2010 version... If I create a word doc in 2010 version and save it to my desktop; when I open it from the desktop it will open in 2007 version and go through a "configuration" process.  Any word doc opened from the desktop opens in 2007... I've looked for a default setting that might need to be changed but can't seem to find anything.

[Moderator note: changed title from "Microsoft word"]

Answer 1

The NoReReg key that Stefan documented is what you need to stop the "configuration" process.

Any time you want to change the application started by Windows you have to update the Windows Default Applications in the registry. The easiest way to do this is do an Office repair of the desired version.  So, if you want to open files with Office 2010, do an Office Repair of Office 2010.

Repair or Uninstall Office 2013 / 365 / 2016

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/office/wiki/office_365hp-office_install/repair-office-365-in-pictures/f09d64b7-cfcc-4d07-be0b-0c429682d01a?tm=1405256665011 Repair Office 365 in Pictures

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**http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/gg998767.aspx#BKMK\_OfficeRepair** Office 365 (2013) - Repair is same as earlier versions

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Off Topic - Background

Office was designed from day to to be uninstalled and re-installed as the primary trouble shooting tool.  Along with that design choice they assumed that the "normal" user would only have one version of Office installed. When the new version came out, the normal user would automatically upgrade to the next version (even back in the 1980's they assumed everyone would "drink the coolaid").  So when an application starts, it checks to see which Office version is currently "installed". If the application is not in the installed version, then the configuration process is triggered.

However, MS developers working on the new version quickly got tired of waiting for that process to complete, so the created the NoReReg registry key to stop it.

Answer 2

See the "Hacking the Registry" section of the article at http://www.gmayor.com/toolbars_in_word_2007.htm.