New Technology often causes Lost 'File to Program Associations'
Recently I have had a lot of phone calls and pleas for help regarding emails. ' I can't open some of my emails!!!'. What they really mean is that they can't open their email 'Attachment'...and its only SOME attachments not all of them.
Strange? Not really... its to be expected.
Operating Systems and their Compatible Programs
People are becoming increasingly confused with 'programs' and 'files' and what opens what. This is due to the constant development of new operating systems, compatible programs and the difficulties you face dealing with the transitions.
For each new Windows Operating System that comes out, Microsoft releases a new version of Office
1. XP=Office 2003
2. Vista = Office 2007
3. W7= Office 2010
This creates a problem for those who own Microsoft Office 2003 or previous versions:
You cannot open any file created with MS Office 2007 or 2010 without downloading a Compatability Viewer first (here's the link Compatibility Pack : CLICK HERE)
Another reason could be that they own a Mac and have produced the file with a Mac program that Windows PCs can't read
REMEMBER: Nowadays nothing is constant nor consistent when we speak of operating systems and their compatible programs
Programs and File Extensions
So how do you overcome this situation?
When you create and save a file using a program, the name of the file is followed by a dot and then a file extention of 3 letters which tell you which program will open it.
Example:
.doc means that the file has been created with the MS Office Word 2003 program
.docx means that the file has been created with the MS Office Word 2007 or 2010 programs
.doc means that the file has been created with the MS Office Word 2003 program
.docx means that the file has been created with the MS Office Word 2007 or 2010 programs
HINT: when you send a file as an attachment it is probably best to send it in a .pdf file format (unless you want the receiver to be able to edit it)
Lost File Associations
If you can’t open a file it will probably have an icon that looks like this:
The reason is that your computer doesn’t know what type of file it is and can’t find a program to open it. It may have merely 'Forgotten' or someone sent you a file produced with a program your computer doesn't recognise
Why this happens varies, so its probably best to just know a solution that just may fix it.
There are a couple of different ways to do this ...
Right click on the icon.
from the Drop Down 'Options Menu'
Left Click
Right click on the icon.
from the Drop Down 'Options Menu'
Left Click
- ‘Open with’: and choose a program you think may open it. Look for a box to tick when you want your computer to always open an unidentified icon with this specific program because you are reasonable certain that you know which one will open the file
2. ‘Rename’ is a shorter and faster method to use when you are not sure which program to use
I have a 'Lost File Association' Step-By-Step Guide to restoring lost file extensions so please contact me so I can send it to you
Its a quick fix so if this doesn't work be sure to contact me so we can get to the bottom of it
Kind Regards
Kim-Denyse CertIV TAE, Dip Bus
My Computer Tutor
kim@mycomputertutor.net.au
Kind Regards
Kim-Denyse CertIV TAE, Dip Bus
My Computer Tutor
kim@mycomputertutor.net.au
![C:\Documents and Settings\kdc\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5\XDAAV5DM\MPj04330720000[1].jpg](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_vfR7sSBvgJC7A9h1qyuLUHlpsrqiqo1u8lb3IHwUwpZEJrwpXT-jwSEd8LnHGChsCc2Q79x1algUpris_9hfw8tnH-Y3JKTH6jn3dp3TW3gSULfP0M2GI=s0-d)
![C:\Documents and Settings\kdc\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5\XDAAV5DM\MPj04330720000[1].jpg](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_tZWorlJ9bnEcOKiJzjNdk3rE1iKMzEi1VRDTysicdQ8iKXmT47exxqhhMuMy8qEf1uUajnszd-oguiCzopa2xMwbzCwbxgtV9SZx_8OcgyyPtj4bGN=s0-d)