Windows XP has the ability to create file type association for a new file extension in Control Panel, Folder Options, File Types tab. Unfortunately, the File Types tab is removed in Windows Vista and the Default Programs applet does not provide an option to create new file type association.

You can however use the Open With option to associate new or existing file types with applications of your choice.

Creating New file type association

1. Find a file with the extension that you wish to add

2. Right-click the file and choose Open

3. Click Select a program from a list of installed programs

4. Click OK

5. If the application is not listed in the Open With dialog, click Browse and locate the executable.

6. Make sure that the following checkbox is enabled:

Always use the selected program to open this kind of file

7. Click OK.

File type association is now created for the new file type, but only for the current user account. If you have many user accounts in the system and you want to create a global file association setting, you can use the ASSOC and FTYPE commands. These commands need to be used from an elevated Command Prompt window.

Example

To associate the file type .mx with c:\windows\mxviewer.exe, run the following commands from an elevated Command Prompt window.

assoc .mx=mxfile
ftype mxfile="%windir%\mxviewer.exe" "%1"

This associates .mx file type with mxviewer.exe. To add other file class data, such as setting the default icon or customizing the file type description, you’ll have to use the Registry Editor or use one of the third-party alternatives mentioned below.

Alternatives to the File Types tab

File Type Doctor – Creative Element Power Tools

FileTypesMan – Alternative to ‘File Types’ manager of Windows

[Unassoc] An utility to unassociate file types in Windows Vista

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One Response to “How to Create New File Type Association in Windows Vista” Subscribe to comments!

  1. Celena
    said this on Sunday, January 18th 2009 8:31 am

    I was haveing trouble geting internet radio working, an erroe poped up saying there was no program associated with the file type. I fallowed these instructions and wala it works big TY!

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