file association

[emiljast]

Hi
Is there an easy way to find out what program to associate a file, this is an ongoing puzzle to me I must be missing something.
Some guidence is appreciated.
Thanks

[JPnyc]

Check here.

[Steve R Jones]

Data Formats and Their File Extensions
In the table below, search for a file extension by the letter it starts with or view the complete list of file extensions.

http://www.webopedia.com/quick_ref/fileextensions.asp

[bistro]

That one looks a bit more updated than the one I had...thanks, SRJ!

[wdc]

I applauded and said "me too" when I saw emiljast's original post. But I am afraid the answers went beyond me. Where can I see a <simple> explanation of the principles involved with 'assocation' (rather than the gory details). ...wdc

[Welshjim]

wdc--

Where can I see a <simple> explanation of the principles involved with 'assocation'

Each file type needs to be "associated" with a specific program (or sometimes one of several programs) for the file to open (or be activated). (As you know the three letters at the end of a file's name tells you the extension or type of file involved--like .jpg or .exe, for example.)
For example .jpg can be opened with quite a number of graphic editors including Internet Explorer, Irfanview, MS Paint, etc. And remember it needs to be associated with one of those programs.
Perhaps JPnyc's link has confused you. The website http://filext.com/ is an excellent one for telling you (usually in a straightforward way--by indicating in the Associated Links box) what program is needed to open a specific file type.
However the example given by JPnyc was for .pdf and you have to read just a little between the lines to understand that, in the case of .pdf, there are several different .pdf file types. In addition, while the most common use of .pdf is with Acrobat Reader files, the Associated Links box for Acrobat Reader does not just come right out and tell you that .pdf files need to be associated with Acrobat Reader to open. Perhaps the fileext.com page for .jpg is a little easier to understand.
http://filext.com/detaillist.php?extdetail=jpg
So, now that you know what program is needed to open a file type, you need to know how to "associate" the file type with the program. Many associations are done by default when you install a program. WindowsXP, by default, associates .jpg files with Windows Picture and Fax Viewer and clicking on a .jpg file just opens it using that program without your being aware what is happening.
But sometimes the association is not automatic and/or becomes corrupt so you have to know how to make an association manually.
The easiest way, in WinXP is to right click on a file|Open With|Windows will often make a few suggestions|and you choose the right program by highlighting it|OK. If you find that works and you like the results, go through the procedure again but this time before clicking OK, check the box at the bottom "Always use the selected program...". Then click OK.
From then on all files with that particular file type extension (three letters) will open automatically using that program and you will not be asked what program to use for that file type anymore. In Win98 the procedure is quite similar except for the first step. There you have to hold down Shift simultaneous with right clicking on the file in order to get the "Open With..." option.
There are much more involved ways of associating a file type with a program, but the above usually works and is pretty simple.
The biggest problem is learning what program works or works best. filext.com is one way. A search on www.google.com is another. Or ask here.

[Steve R Jones]

Bristo, that a JupiterMedia site

Here's another good one:

"Every File Format in the World"

[greengoose1]

Thanks for the two postings Steve. Helps a bit.

And here is MSs article on the subject concerning XP to add to what weshjim said. Like Jim's explanation best. More simple.

[macman23]

Filext.com has a ton of information, but the interface is difficult to use. I have found FileInfo.net to be the best file extensions site. The Sharpened File Extensions Reference is also pretty good.

[wdc]

Hi macman23: Thank you for the references; I'll read them for sure. ....wdc

[LindaHewitt]

Emiljast, JPnyc, Steve, WelshJim, and Macman23,

Thanks. This is a problem that I had been having off and on for some time but had ignored. With the advent of the availability of viewers for most of these file types, most users will be able to read any file sent to them.

This is a very good thing.

This thread appeared on the new VDR threads at the very time that I was looking for a DBF viewer.

VDR is a super star tech support site.

Cheers,

Linda

[Welshjim]

I really should not have been so harsh ( ) on JPnyc's recommendation of http://filext.com/detaillist.php?extdetail=PDF
since down at the very bottom of that site there is more info under the heading "System Extension Info", which provides much more detail on associating .pdf with Acrobat Reader.
Whereas http://www.fileinfo.net/ never mentions Acrobat Reader.

[macman23]

Welshjim,

The PDF page at FileInfo.net (http://www.fileinfo.net/extension/pdf) reads:

Program(s) to open a pdf file:
Mac: Adobe Reader to view (free); Adobe Acrobat to edit (commercial version); Apple Preview
Windows: Adobe Reader to view (free); Adobe Acrobat to edit (commercial version); Brava! Reader

[Welshjim]

macman23--They must have put that in after I posted in August!!
Or maybe I read too quickly!!