Embedded Files
Windows File Association
What? All I got directed here for was to fix an error?
OK, let us explain. Windows Operating Systems from time incarnate use the 'file extension' that's the '.pdf' or '.jpeg' on the end of a file, to associate each individual type of files to a host program, or in today's language 'app' . There may be genuine reasons for an unusual program to be host to a specific file type you wouldn't expect, more likely to be a network management decision, where the entire network needs to be aligned for use with a specific software. That said we are predominantly going to talk about your home PC here.
Here is a genuine customer issue we recently encountered, (redacted to protect the identity of the individual);
"I've just bought & downloaded a kit from the website . When I downloaded it, it WASN'T in a zipped folder. I double-clicked on it to open with Adobe it gave me the below message. I've tried about 4 or 5 times now to download it and open it but no luck.
Please help as I don't know what to do"
Attachments;
What am I looking at?
In the top image, please note that the file starting with 'b' with the Adobe logo to it's left actually is a zipped file.... how do we know that? Actually the full file name is present so we knew, however look at the file size on the right 834MB, that's nearing 1GB, that is either a file association error, or one giant pdf document!
Just as a footnote, seeing the Adobe error in the lower image, brings up thoughts of another non related issue. This particular error message is thrown up with another issue we have previously addressed, and we believe this to be a default response thrown up by Adobe software when it cannot handle a file request. We have reached out to them for comment, but have, as yet, no response.
Yeah, OK I've got it, it's a 'file association' problem; how do I fix it?
This is a lot simpler than it sounds, simply follow the instructions we sent the customer below;
'Right click' on the file and click properties -
From the resulting pop-up menu, find the Change button, (as you can see this is currently defaulting to Adobe) -
(your screen may look slightly different depending on Windows edition and configuration)
1 - Find and select the File Explorer option &
2 - Click 'Set Default'
1- See how the Windows Explorer is now present
2 - Click 'Apply'
3 - Click 'OK'
Now you can simply extract your zipped file as you normally would
This method is the way to change between compatible programs, for example for changing from Adobe to Foxit pdf readers; for changing default photo reader/editors or to change office document from open office platforms to Microsoft official office products.
I am concerned I muck everything up, is that possible?
Well actually, yes, BUT any changes you make to the default readers or any file associations is as simple as resorting them to the process above. If you have 'mucked' it up, Windows will generally give you a bit of a hint when you click on 'Change', but isn't completely infallible. If in doubt just go to your favourite internet search engine and type in, 'What should my pdf's open with' or 'what program handles .docx files'
As with everything Witches, drop us an email and if we can we'll try and help.
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