How to associate files with programs and icons.

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How to associate files with programs and icons.

Please note the following steps work on Win95/98/2000/XP, but a few controls are labelled differently under XP, I have indicated in brackets the different labels.

It is not uncommon to find that a file you are using is opened by a program other than the program you wish it to be opened by, this is easily changed by the steps below, but please note that the program chosen must be capable of opening the file type, for instance you wouldn't try to open a picture file (jpg, bmp, etc), in Notepad.

The easiest way of associating a file, is when the file isn't already associated with any program.
In this case Windows will ask you which program you would like to open the file with and provide a list of the commonly used programs. You can also use the "Other" ("Browse" XP) button, to browse for the program exe of your choice. Be sure to tick the box labelled "Always use this program to open this type of file."

The second method of associating files, is used when a file is already associated with another program and you wish to alter it to the program of your choice.
Click the file with the left mouse button to highlight it and then right click it, while holding down the shift key, this will give you the option to "Open with", select this option. (In XP pick the options "Open with -- Choose Program".)
Windows will now open the file association window and you can either choose a program from the list provided, or use the "Other" ("Browse" XP) button to browse for your preferred program.
Be sure to tick the box labelled "Always use this program to open this type of file."

Changing Icons.

Usually windows will automatically display the correct icon for the file type, but sometimes it gets confused, so this is how to change a files icon.
From any folder toolbar, select "View" ("Tools", XP) -- "Folder Options" and then select the "File Types" tab. Find your file in the list given, (Note: it may be listed under the type of file it is, rather than its name.) and highlight it, then press the "Edit" ("Advanced", XP) button.
An edit form will appear, you can then choose the "Change Icon" button, if no icon is currently associated with the file, Windows will show its own icons for your selection, but you can also browse your drive for the icon of your choice.
Once you have chosen an icon, just keep pressing OK until all the windows are closed, your new icon is now set.