Problems with "File Association" in Windows 7 64-bit

Question

Although I am able to go through the "regular" process to associate a program with an extension it doesn't work.  After going through the browse process and selecting the program it brings me back to the "open with" window.  The program I've selected does not appear in the "open with" window and it appears that it is simply ignoring me.

I've also tried the "Default Programs" route but wind up at the same "open with" window that still ignores me.

Suggestions?

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[EDIT]

1. I've realized that this is probably not the proper forum for this question so feel free to ignore!
2. I've also realized that this may be an issue with associating extensions with non-64-bit programs and appears to be a non-issue if trying to associate with a 64-bit program... go figure.

Answer 1

After playing around a lil I think I've figured it out.. [for me at least..]

The program that you're pointing to isn't registered correctly.

In regedit: Navigate to Computer\HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Applicationsand find your .exe name.

Navigate under its name to shell>open>command. In the Default change its location to the actual location of the executable, hit okay and then try and reassociate the file type as you normally would.

Let me know if that doesn't seem to work.

Answer 2

Hi Jennifer Anns Group

Welcome to Windows 7 Forums

I require additional information in order to assist you better. 

What is the file extension you are trying to associate? 

A default program is the program that Windows uses when you open a particular type of file, such as a music file, an image, or a webpage. For example, if you have more than one web browser installed on your computer, you can choose one of them to be the default browser. 

Use this option to choose which programs you want Windows to use, by default. 

If a program does not show up in the list, you can make the program a default by using Set Associations.

    1.  Open Default Programs by clicking the Start button, and then clicking Default Programs.

    2.  Click Associate a file type or protocol with a program.

    3.  Click the file type or protocol that you want the program to act as the default for.

    4.  Click Change program.

    5.  Click the program that you want to use as the default for the file type you selected, or click the arrow next to

Other   Programs to show additional programs. (If you don't see Other Programs, or your program

     is not listed,

         click Browse to find the program you want to use, and then click Open

    6.  Click OK

For more details follow the link below:

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

 Try creating a new user account and check whether you have the same issue.

To create a user account

1.    To open User Accounts, click the Start button, click Control Panel, click User Accounts and Family Safety, and then click User Accounts.

2.    Click Manage another account. If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

3.    Click Create a new account.

4.    Type the name you want to give the user account, click an account type, and then click Create Account.

For more information follow the link below:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/Windows7/Create-a-user-account

If it works in the new user account, then the user account may be corrupted.

To fix the corrupted user profile you may refer the link below:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-vista/Fix-a-corrupted-user-profile

Hope this information is helpful.

Suresh G

Microsoft Answers Support Engineer

Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.

Answer 3

I have the exact same problem.

File association worked fine on XP. It does not on Windows 7. I believe what the OP meant by the usual steps was indeed what you listed as step 1-5

I had tried that and got the same result. After highlighting the desired executable in the browse window and hitting OK, you are taken back to the open with dialog and the executable you just selected does not appear there. Instead notepad is highlighted. Click ok and the file type is associated with notepad instead of the executable you just told it to associate with.

Please unmark your answer. It is not the answer.

Here is a copy of my technet forum post with the same issue:

It associates fine on XP. However, when I installed Windows 7 it refuses to associate. I cannot figure out how to fix the problem.

I have a shortcut to a .lbr file on my desktop

I have a .exe in my program files\company name\program name

I go to control panel->default programs->associate a file type or protocol with a program

scroll down to .lbr and highlight it

click change program...

browse to the .exe

double click the .exe

The open with window only shows notepad and if I hit OK it associates with notepad. The program I just browsed and clicked on doesn't show up, nor is the associattion made.

The program is just sits in its own directory. I believe it was developed without an installer. So, I can only assume associations do not work on 7 if programs didn't go through an entore install process. It is often you just have little executables that reside entirely in thier own directory that don't have installers.

How to get this association working?

Answer 4

I have the same issue, Christopher. Mine's a .mkv association - only happened after I moved the .exe from it's original location. I've attempted clearing the associations from the registry as I figured a possible corruption.

Still nada..

After trying to reassociate the file again and again, once you navigate to the .exe for it to execute through, it doesn't show the icon or program to chose that you've just navigated to.

Hmmmmm

Answer 5

Quick update.... 

Oddly enough, if the folder of the program I'm trying to use as the exe for the file type is on the Desktop, it will appear correctly. If it's in the root [C:] or "Program Files"  /  "Program Files (x86)" - it will not show up.. Strange, yes/no?