Having trouble opening a file? Or, the program that used to open the file has now changed to something else. This is a common problem and usually affected by what software you use or have downloaded recently.

File association can be affected when you download a piece of software, install it and click on the next button without reading what file types are being associated with the new software. For instance, if you download a Media Player it will probably want to associate itself with playing MP3, WAV, MPEG or most other media file types. So when you click on an MP3 from your hard-drive or on the web, for example, the new software will load and complete the task of playing the file.

If you don't want to associate certain file types to the new software then you can simply untick each media type when installing the software. Or, if you've already installed the software and wish to change the association of a certain file type to another program then do the following steps:

• Locate and righ-click over a file you wish to change the file association with. i.e. locate an mp3 file in your computer and right-click over the file.
• From the menu displayed select Properties.
• Under the General heading you will see that the Type of file heading displays the program associated with it. Click on the change button.
• A list of programs will now display and allow you to select another program to open the file, if it's not there then select Browse.
• Navigate through your hierarchy of files to find the program you are looking for. The program should be suffixed with .exe (executable) file.
• Click on Open when you find it.then click on OK.
• If you have the option to click on Always use the selected program… option then every time you open this file type you won't have to undergo the above.