Assigning programs to open files with

I've recently downloaded some files and when I go to open them I get the "Open with" window asking me for to assign a program from the list to use to open my download. Well, the truth is I have no idea which program to use and now my downloads are useless. Any help will be graetly appreciated.
Thanks!
jeb3d

 

jeb3d , Welcome to the Windows BBS!

Check the extension (suffix) of those files against this list at What Is and you can probably figure out what is needed to open them.

If not, post back giving the extension and perhaps someone will be able to steer you the right way.

Good luck.

 

jeb3d--I think it may help simplify the answer if you tell us the file extensions (like .jpg, .zip, .html, etc.) of the files in question.


EDIT--I see Zephyr beat me to posting by several milliseconds.
But once you decide what program is the right one to use in opening your downloaded files, you are still going to have to learn how to "associate" those files with the program. The general method is to hold down Shift at the same time you right click on the downloaded file's icon. Click on "Open With... ", scroll down the list to the program you want to use, highlight it, check the box at the end "Always use this program... ", click OK. You only have to do this once for each file extension.
Now your only problem may be to decipher the names of the programs in that list. So it still might pay to post back the specific file extensions you want to open.

 

Hey guys, thanks for such a quick response. Unfortunately, I can't give you an extension for the downloaded file I'm trying to open. When I use "find" the file comes up with what looks like a sheet of paper that has the Windows logo on it, which is to the left of the file name. Under "In Folder" it just says C:\\Windows\Desktop\BRIEFCASE and under "Type" it simply says File.

As far as the Program chioce I am given to use to open the file, I only recognize a select few. I see things like ACCWIZ and CChat and GRPCONV and Hypertrm, just to name a few.

I don't know if any of this gives you a clearer idea or if its all just babbling incoherently.

Again, thanks for your help.

Jim

 

Perhaps it would be easier if you would tell us where you got the files and what did you have in mind for them when you elected to download them? If we have the download site that you used we can determine what you may have. Can you post a link to the site?

Another possibility is to double click your Briefcase icon on the Desktop and locate, highlight, and right click the file in question. Then select "Properties" and you'll see the complete filename, extension and all.

Without an extension or at least a name, it's not possible to help you.

 

Zephry,

I opened my Briefcase, right clicked on the appropriate file and then went to Properties:
Title: Auction Sources
Type: File
Location:c:\\Windows\Desktop\Briefcase
MS Dos Name: AUCTIO~1
The only Attribute checked is the Archive box
Update Status Tab: This file is an orphan. It does not a sync relationship with any file outside Briefcase
~
This program deals with running auctions on eBAy. The best web site I can g.ive you is: www.auction-sources-exposed.com/register.html

I hope this is what you were asking for. Let me know if any other info would help, ok? Thank you one more time
Jim

 

Did you actually install the software from the link provided (exposed.exe)?

 

jeb3d--Suggest you also see what the setting is in Start|Settings|Folder Options|View tab for "Hide file extensions for known file types ". If it is checked, uncheck it and click Apply|OK. Reboot. Can you know see the file type extension?

 

If you ever have that problem again you can use this to eisily open up any file with any program.

TO ADD "OPEN WITH" FOR ALL FILES--

Either hold in shift while right clicking and the open with is there,

or...

Place the following in a text file and rename it as a .reg file with no spaces (can use_though). Double click on it and it will update the registry.

REGEDIT4

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shell\openas\command]
@= "C:\WINDOWS\rundll32.exe shell32.dll,OpenAs_RunDLL %1 "

Now go to start\run, type regedit, find your new entry. If default, when you are highlighted on command doesn't have--
C:\WINDOWS\rundll32.exe shell32.dll,OpenAs_RunDLL %1
then double click on default and put it in.