Cannot change file associations windows xp

Try this and let know if you encounter any difficulties. Kind regards, David. A lot of programs take over file associations and you need to release that programs hold on the file type before you can change the association to a different program.

In extreme cases, you may need to use regedit to change a file association. I recommend NOT doing this unless you know your way around the registry very well. For file associations, there are multiple keys that need to be changed at the same time. Some of which use strings rather than clear text. I think this started after an install of a new printer. I have encountered the same issue, and have made an adjustment in the registry to solve it.

It is a really good idea to back up the registry before you make any changes That being said, what I am suggesting as a fix will change the ability for power or administrative users of your XP machine to modify the 'global' file associations. Close the registry editor tool 6. You may need to logoff and log back in to see the changes.

Then modify your file associations through the GUI as per usual. I appreciate you for sharing! Also visit my blog post bmi calculator women. I love looking through an article that can make people think. Also, thanks for allowing for me to comment! Also visit my weblog; acoustic guitar chord. Post a Comment. Microsoft magicsTry this one amazing will be am Google Search Tips! Freecell Winner Error In Notepad! Also visit my blog post bmi calculator women April 15, at PM Anonymous said The problem is that the buttons to change that association are greyed out.

Why does this particular user have Word as the default and how do I correct it? What happens when you try to open a pdf file when logged in as the power user? Steve R Jones ,. Log in or Sign up to hide this advert. It launches Word and gives me an error. Right click on a pdf file. Press ok. That did it. So my question now is why was I able to change it there but not with the control panel or explorer tools?

It works with actual PDF files but there is a application that opens PDF files internally that I have not retried yet which is what started this thread.