How to set your default programs
Thu, 11/08/2007 - 21:12 — George
In this short tutorial we will show you how to set the default programs that Windows Vista will use to open certain files or protocols. This can be very useful especially when you install similar programs on your PC and you want to open certain things with an application and others with a secondary application.
In the Start Menu search box type the word default and then click on the first result.
The Default Programs main window will open and you will see four options.
Click on the Set your default programs link.
After a short Loading... screen you will see a list with all the programs that you can configure.
Here you can set a program as default for a specific file type, extension or protocol. Let's pick Internet Explorer as an example. Click on it and on the right side of the window you will see a small description of the program. Lower, there is a note that informs you if the program is set as the default for all the file types and protocols it can open.
As you can see, for this example, Internet Explorer is set as default for 3 out of a total of 9. If you want to set this program as default for every file type, protocol or extension it can open, click on the Set this program as default link.
When you have finished, click on
If you want to edit what file types a program will open by default, select it and then click the Choose defaults for this program link.
A new window will open where you can set the program associations.
Here you can see all file types, extensions and protocols that Internet Explorer can open by default. If you want Internet Explorer to be the default for a specific extension or protocol, check the appropriate box right next to it. After you have made your selections click on Save and then on OK.
Related articles:
How to customize AutoPlay
How to set program access and computer defaults
How to open files using a different program than the default
How to add and remove Windows Vista features
Add/Remove Programs - nowhere to be found?
How To Clean Up & Enhance The Right-Click Context Menu
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Comments
TweakVI
djb, I know that tutorial doesn't solve anything, I wasn't referring to that one. Unfortunately, I didn't had time to write the tutorial for adding programs to the list, but I did some research, and it seems that the only way you can easy add programs to that list is by using the "TweakVI Ultimate" application, witch is a payed only application (€34.99 / $49.99 / £24.99).
I'll keep searching for a simple and free way of adding programs to the list and then I'll write a tutorial.
Ave!
Yes, please I'm another person who would be very keen to discover if there is a non-$$ way to add programs to the list. I see lots of people asking that question in various forums, but no answer as yet!
add programs to the association list
Me too...I also want to learn how to add programs to the association list. I couldn't find the answer anywhere!
I KNOW HOW TO DO IT!!!
if any1 is wondering, i figured out how to allow firefox to get on the list. Reinstall firefox. Next go on internet explorer and get the downloader or:
http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/products/download.html?product=firefox-2.0....
Next, when it asks you to install standard or custom, pick custom and leave the checked marks things alone. At this point, mozilla should be on the list. (make sure to have the programs set as custom not non-microsoft or microsoft). Now, uninstall firefox and install the standard way. Now if you are wondering why you click a link on AIM or MSN and it goes internet explorer. select firefox on the default programs and say set as program as default. that will allow the protocols to change. Now go on the internet one and see what defaults it has. For me it was 3/9, html,mhtml, and url. Now go back to the default programs page and click the second thing changing assosiate something something with a program. Now those programs that internet explorer has, manually set them to firefox. Now reboot your computer and this should work.
Sorry if it didnt but it worked for me =]
OMG THANK YOU!
thank you sooo much it worked!!!!!
All the checkboxes are subdued... can't do anything!
I can go and see what I would LIKE to modify, but none of the checkboxes are active.
HELP!
Alternative...
Load up the "Associate a File type or protocol with a program" instead of "set your default programs".
Now you can sort by program used. Find all the things that are set to open in IE and you can now manually set them to something else if you want. You'll find more things on that list than the other, so you might be able to address a certain issue directly.
How?
How I remove Incredible Email, because think this block Yahoo Email.Thanks
what if the program you want
what if the program you want to set as default doesnt show
defaut program i am confused
what is a default program and why do i want to use it explain to me the reason for default please.
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