Changing the program that opens a file

Tom K · Dec 20, 2005

Hello.
Could you guys please help me with better understanding this. I want to change the audio program that certain file extensions use to open. I found this on the MS Help & Support site, and it pretty much explains what I want to do.

To change the program that opens a file
Open My Documents.
If the file you want is not located in My Documents or its subfolders, use Search to find it. To open Search, click Start, and then click Search.

Right-click the file you want to open in a different program, and then click Properties.
On the General tab, click Change.
Click the name of the program in which you want the file to open.
Click to expand...

Now I have followed these instructions and it has worked. My question is, why then does the Icon preceeding the existing file extensions still have the image of the former program originally used to open it? And, can I change these icons? Thank you so much for your help with this matter.

Plaphon · Dec 21, 2005

There are two different things: what program always opens the file and what program this file type is associated with.

So you may open file with the new program and have icon of the former program at the same time.

To change icon image you need to go to these programs settings called files associations or files types or smth like this. Turn on this file type in new program and turn off in the previous one.

For example if I want to change .mpg files icons from WinAmp to Windows media player I have to go to Options - Preferences - Setup - File Types in WinAmp and to Tools - Options - Files Type tab in WMP and change proper ticks.

Log in or Sign up

Changing the program that opens a file

Tom K Private First Class

Plaphon Specialist