how to create a new file extension association ?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Mark Beiley
  • Start date Start date
M

Mark Beiley

I see how to edit associations for existing file extensions (Control Panel /
Default Programs / Set Associations), but how can you add a new file
extention not listed there already?

Thanks
Mark
 
Hi Mark,

There's no easy way, sadly. That tool doesn't allow for you to add new
extensions, and the simplest way I've found is to right click a file with
the desired extension and use 'open with'. From the dialog, select the
program and enable the "always use.." line before clicking "ok".

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org
 
Hi Mark,

There's no easy way, sadly. That tool doesn't allow for you to add new
extensions, and the simplest way I've found is to right click a file with
the desired extension and use 'open with'. From the dialog, select the
program and enable the "always use.." line before clicking "ok".
Click to expand...

Anybody know why they took this feature out? It was simple enough to
do in XP. My guess... and it is just a guess, Microsoft did it on
purpose as part of their phony "security" features.
 
Hi Mark

Could you give us more detailed info about exactly what you are trying to
do?

Is this a completely new file type you are trying to create? Which program
will you use to open this new file type?
 
I had this very discussion with them recently. Apparently, they didn't think
that anyone used these advanced features any longer, so they removed it
thinking that it would keep the casual user from hamstringing themselves. I
told them they were quite wrong. Currently, I know that the team involved is
re-evaluating this.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org
 
Hi Rick,

Thanks for this tip, that method worked for me. It is too bad they took out
this capability...

Thanks,
Mark
--
http://www.beiley.com


Rick Rogers said:
Hi Mark,

There's no easy way, sadly. That tool doesn't allow for you to add new
extensions, and the simplest way I've found is to right click a file with
the desired extension and use 'open with'. From the dialog, select the
program and enable the "always use.." line before clicking "ok".

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org
Click to expand...
 
Hi Ronnie,

I work with ascii files with an extension of .trn. These are just ascii
files with investment transactions, provided by brokers to investment
advisors. I just wanted to associate .trn with my text editor (Boxer).
Rick's method of right mouse clicking on the file, and doing an "Open" and
then choosing the program, and clicking "Always open these files with this
program" worked for me. It would be nicer though if you could do this from
the "Set Associations" screen in Vista, like you used to be able to do in
XP.

Thanks,
Mark
--
http://www.beiley.com


Ronnie Vernon MVP said:
Hi Mark

Could you give us more detailed info about exactly what you are trying to
do?

Is this a completely new file type you are trying to create? Which program
will you use to open this new file type?
Click to expand...
 
Mark

I know what you mean, I miss that feature too.

--

Ronnie Vernon
Microsoft MVP
Windows Shell/User


Mark Beiley said:
Hi Ronnie,

I work with ascii files with an extension of .trn. These are just ascii
files with investment transactions, provided by brokers to investment
advisors. I just wanted to associate .trn with my text editor (Boxer).
Rick's method of right mouse clicking on the file, and doing an "Open" and
then choosing the program, and clicking "Always open these files with this
program" worked for me. It would be nicer though if you could do this
from the "Set Associations" screen in Vista, like you used to be able to
do in XP.

Thanks,
Mark
Click to expand...
 
I believe the only way you can do this is in the registry.

Open regedit and expand HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT in the first section you can
scroll down to find the files extension, they are in alphabetical order.
Delete the files extension key (folder).

Keep scrolling down and in the second alphabetical section you should find
the the file listed again with it's Shell/Open command (the program that it
opens with). Delete that key.

Check back in the Control Panel to make sure it is gone.
 
Any update on the possibility of this feature being revived? I just installed
Microsoft Money (MM07) 2007 and am trying to connect w/ my bank. According to
MM07 I need an OFX file type in order to link with this particular bank - and
then they give instructions on how to add the extension - they also state
that different versions of windows may have different ways to do this and to
consult the version used. From what i can tell Vista doesn't allow for this.
My next step is to call my bank for guidance. If anyone out there as any
other ideas I'd be happy to know.
 
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