email attachment message

[thelewisgang]

a couple of times recently I have been sent from people I know emails with attachments. Sometimes they open up ok but sometimes I get this message
"this file does not have a program associated with it for performing this action. Create an association in the Set Associations control panel".
I've been to the Control Panel but wouldn't know what & where to click on. please help me solve this annoying problem. thank you x

[Buenchico]

(2-part post):

This problem is most likely to arise because you've been sent an attachment which doesn't have a suitable program for viewing it on your computer. (You can't associate a file type with a program if no suitable program exists!)

For example, if someone sends you information on an Excel spreadsheet you won't be able to open it unless you've got Excel (or a compatible program) on your PC. So, if the files you're getting have a .xls extension, you need to get hold of something like Microsoft's free Excel Viewer software. When you install it, it will automatically create the correct file association:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.asp x?********=c8378bf4-996c-4569-b547-75edbd03aaf 0&displaylang=EN

Similarly, if the files you're receiving have a .pub extension, you'll need Microsoft Publisher (or a compatible program) to view them. Microsoft doesn't provide a 'viewer' program, as such, for Publisher but you can download a free trial of Publisher (which carries on working as a 'viewer' after the trial period expires):
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/publisher/HA 102339061033.aspx

If the files you're receiving have a different extension, and you've not got a clue what to open them with, post again (telling us what the file extension is) and we'll direct you to suitable software.

[Buenchico]

If you recognise the file extension, and you know which program (already on your computer) you want to open the files with, here's what to do in Vista:
http://articles.techrepublic.com.com/5100-1087 8_11-6172036.html

In Windows ME (and earlier), go to 'Folder Options' in the control Panel and select the 'file types' tab. Scroll to to the relevant extension and click on it to highlight it. Select 'Change'. Click on the relevant program (if it's listed) and then click 'OK' > 'Apply' > 'OK'. If the program isn't listed, click on 'Other', navigate to the program's location, double-click on it and then proceed as above.

I believe that XP is fairly similar to ME regarding file associations.

Chris

[Buenchico]

I see that AB's stupid censorship system has spotted a 'rude word' in that link for the Excel Viewer, so it won't work. If you require the program, use this link instead:
http://tinyurl.com/cup85

[markysngc]

nothing to add other than why on earth did it censor ******** from that url??

thats F@****** incase it does it again!!

Huh!

[markysngc]

huh again... censor it upside down then

pıʎ1ıɯɐɟ

Got ya

[jno]

in case you're wondering, there's an objectionable 3-letter word for a Jew in there, marky

[thelewisgang]

thanks for your help folks. will try the links you have given me. I appreciate your help x