At Boxaid, the team has encountered a vast array of computer technical issues. Over the course of 13 years, they have repaired more than 10,000 computers. Occasionally, they come across a previously solved problem that no longer responds to the usual solutions, which can be a source of frustration for both their customers and technicians. A recurring technical issue that spans from Windows 7 to Windows 10 is the malfunctioning of file associations. Although the topic of being unable to open certain files has been addressed in the past, it is worth revisiting the issue in its current context.
Understanding Windows File Associations
The issue arises when attempting to open a file—be it a Word document, an Excel spreadsheet, or a browser shortcut—and Windows fails to recognize the appropriate program to use. File extensions, such as .docx or .xls, signal to Windows which program is needed to open a specific file type. Typically, Windows is adept at this task, having a pre-loaded list of extensions and their corresponding programs. However, file associations can become corrupted due to viruses, poorly written software, or other mysterious causes, necessitating a repair to reestablish the correct associations.
Standard Solutions for Repairing File Associations
The problem of broken file associations is well-documented online for various versions of Windows. There are numerous comprehensive articles that guide users through the process of altering file associations for Windows 10, Windows 7, and even Windows XP, which is hopefully no longer in use. These resources are invaluable for those who need to reset or fix their default file associations when standard procedures fail. Here are some recommended articles for further reading:
- How to Change File Associations in Windows (LiveWire.com)
- Change default programs in Windows (Microsoft Support Page)
- How to force Windows 10 to set apps as default (WindowsCentral.com)
Alternative Approaches to Resolving File Associations
When traditional methods fail, one must look to alternative solutions. The technicians at Boxaid have explored numerous other methods, including registry edits, pre-made packages from Microsoft, and even uninstalling and reinstalling the problematic application. An example of a discussion that shows the complexity of this issue can be found at:
After extensive research, they discovered a solution that proved effective.
STEP 1:
The first step is to identify the associated name of the file type in question. For instance, to set Google Chrome as the default browser for Internet URLs, one would open a Windows command prompt as an administrator and execute the following command:
c:\windows\system32> assoc {filetype}
For example:
c:\windows\system32> assoc .url
This should return an output such as .url=InternetShortcut. It is important to note this information, as it will be used in the next step.
STEP 2:
With the file type association known, the next step is to use the ftype command:
ftype {file_association}="absolute-path-to-application" "%1"
For example:
ftype InternetShortcut="C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe" "%1"
If executed successfully, Chrome will become the default browser for opening URL shortcuts. This method is applicable to various programs, including Excel, PDF files, and Word documents. In one particular case involving Microsoft Excel files, this approach was the key to resolving the issue. More information about the ftype and assoc commands can be found on Microsoft’s website.
When File Association Is Missing
If the ftype command results in a “File association not found for extension” message, it is necessary to create an association using the following format:
assoc .{XXX}={filetype}
For example:
assoc .txt=txtclass
The Boxaid team hopes this article has been helpful. For further assistance, please visit their homepage where certified IT support experts are ready to fix a multitude of computer issues remotely, for both home and business clients.
