Windows 10: File type associations not launching the program in the list

This problem has just started on several machines since 8/20/2016. On Windows 10 Pro computers, the program associated with a file type extension will not launch correctly anymore even though the correct program is listed as associated with that file type.

I have seen two versions of this issue. On one machine, double clicking on a file in Windows Explorer with a .xls extension would open Excel but the worksheet would be blank. If you open Excel first and then load the file from within Excel, it opens fine.

On another computer, double clicking on a file with an assigned file extension results in nothing happening.

I have been able to solve this problem by going to the "Control Panel" --> "Default Programs" --> "Associate a file type or protocol with a program" selecting the file extension I need to work, click "Change Program..." and select the same program that was already listed as the "Current Default".

Obviously, the program listed as the current default is no longer associated with the extension in the registry.

The next time I see this behavior, I will check the registry entries before I apply my "fix".

I just wanted to know if others are seeing this issue and what is causing it.

:)

 

File associations to programs messed up

Hi Jan,

This could have happened due to the corrupted application that you are using as default program. Resetting the file association will result to have the newest application as default program. We would like to know more about the issue by answering the following
questions below:

• What file type are you trying to launch?
• What application and version are you trying to set as default program?
• Do you receive any error messages?

We look forward to your response.

 

There was a problem sending the command to the program. Windows 10 NOT related to MsOffice

Hi,

To help you resolve the issue, we recommend that you change the file association for your program. You can follow the steps below:

• Press Windows key + R, type control and hit
  OK.
• Choose Programs and select Default Programs.
• Click on Associate a file type or protocol with a program. Change the program that associates to .jpg.

Let us know how it goes.

Thanks.

 

You could try repairing the MS Office installation if the problem is limited to Office files. Go to Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\Programs and Features, right click MS Office, select Change then Repair.

If the problem is more general, try running sfc /scannow from an admin command prompt. The next fix would then be do an in-place repair install of Windows 10.

 

My "fix" is faster and less trouble. My real interest is in finding out if this is a trending problem and what I might be able to do to avoid it.

Thanks anyway.

 

Hi, @webben:

Office documents (or any document files, I suppose) may be opened 2 ways, either from a push (double-click on file -> calls the program associated with that file type) or a pull (open the application first and then open the file from within it).

I cannot locate an older article that I used to have on file about this. The article predates Windows10, but it explained the differences quite nicely. I'll see if I can dredge it up.

It sounds as if you are having a problem with the push.

• It probably does not matter, but (in order to glean a bit more data): what version of Office?
• Is the problem only with Excel, or with other Office applications?
• Is the problem only with MS Office? (IOW, for example, can you open a PDF via a "push" to Adobe Reader/Acrobat?)
• >>What happens when you try to open the files as a "pull"?<<

I agree with @Steve C, that an attempt to repair Office might resolve the issue, if the problem is limited to Excel/Office.
If it does, then you would no longer have to use a fairly cumbersome workaround.

Cheers,
MM

 

I believe you are missing the point. The file associations are correct in the Control Panel. To fix the problem, all I have to do is go into the Control Panel as if I was going to change the association to a different program but just select the association that is already listed there as being associated. This is much easier than an Office repair or an in-place Windows repair.

If no one else has this problem, I will just chalk it up to a fluke. I thought it might be a new issue because it affected three computers within 48 hours.

 

Hi:

The behavior you describe is not normal.

Something is "broken" - in order to open files, one should not have to "go into the Control Panel as if I was going to change the association to a different program but just select the association that is already listed there as being associated."

We are not in front of your computer.
So we merely requested a bit of data to help to better understand the issue and to help resolve it.

But if you are satisfied with your workaround, then that's all that matters.*Smile

Perhaps another member will have more satisfying recommendations.

Good luck,
MM