David Baxter PhD
Late Founder
Sometimes, with installing and uninstalling various applications, you may end up with incorrect or invalid file associations in Windows XP. Here's how to repair them.
HOW TO: Change File Associations in Windows XP
Fix file associations from the Command Line: Did you leave the Always Use This Program To Open This File option turned on? Do you want to change it back so it prompts you to specify a program each time? To delete the association with that file type, at the command prompt enter the command ASSOC.EXT= [where .EXT specifies the extension of the file type whose association you want to delete (e.g., .WAV for wave files)]. Now whenever you double-click on the file of that type, the system will ask you what program you want to use to open the file.
Easy File Associations for Windows XP
Windows XP File Association Fixes
HOW TO: Change File Associations in Windows XP
Fix file associations from the Command Line: Did you leave the Always Use This Program To Open This File option turned on? Do you want to change it back so it prompts you to specify a program each time? To delete the association with that file type, at the command prompt enter the command ASSOC.EXT= [where .EXT specifies the extension of the file type whose association you want to delete (e.g., .WAV for wave files)]. Now whenever you double-click on the file of that type, the system will ask you what program you want to use to open the file.
Easy File Associations for Windows XP
Windows XP File Association Fixes