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This article applies to you if your computer uses the Windows operating system (any version) and when you double-click on a file or an e-mail attachment:
The basic thing to know about this type of problem is that when you double-click on a file, Windows uses the file extension to determine which program to use to open the file. The file extension is the part of the file name that is at the end, after a period.
So, your problem is most likely caused by one of these things:
To resolve any of these problems, you will need to know which file extensions go with which programs. The file extensions most commonly used by retirees are:
You can find lists of file extensions and what they associate with on the Internet. One example is from FileInfo.com.
If your file name does not end in a period and some letters, Windows does not know what program to use to open it. Be aware that by default Windows hides file extensions, so the extension might be there and you're just not seeing it. It is easy to change this, so that you can see the extension.
If you know the program that should open it and you know that you have that program installed, you can:
If you don't know what program should open the file, you may have to ask the person who sent it to you. Note: Files sent out to the ASURA Board of Directors for use in Board meetings are almost always PDF files, i.e., the file names end, or should end, in ".pdf".
If you don't have a program installed that works with the extension on the file you are opening, you won't be able to open the file.
The solution is to either:
Sometimes, "things happen" that cause Windows to associate a particular file extension with a program that isn't the one you want. If you know what program you do want, it is easy to fix this.
To get instructions:
ASU Retirees Association
Mailing address: PO Box 873308, Tempe, AZ 85287
Physical address: Community Services Building Room 201, 200 E. Curry, Tempe, AZ
Phone: 480-965-7668