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Q. Recently I received a file that
lacked an extension (such as .doc, .xls or .txt) and when I tried to
open it, I got a message that said Windows cannot open this
file.
But it gave me the option to try to open it with a variety of applications by clicking on Select the program from a list, and I clicked on OK . I selected the application I thought was best—in this case Notepad—and here’s where I made my big mistake: Without thinking I also checked the box at the bottom of the screen that says Always use the selected program to open this kind of file. By doing that I seem committed to a kind of purgatory—forever forced to use Notepad to open that file. I didn’t realize the extent of my error until I later discovered there was a better way to open the file, but because I had checked that darn box, I couldn’t go back to change my selection. Is there a way to appeal my sentence so I can open the file with Word, say?
A. OK, you’ve served enough time for your crime; I can commute your sentence. Here’s what you have to do: With the cursor on the errant file, right-click on it while holding down the Shift key and click on Open . That will open the Windows cannot open this file screen. Once again check the second option— Select the program from a list —and then choose the application of your choice. You may want to save that file in that application by using File, Save as.
