Extensions can mean heartache

CONTINUING with a look at the file extensions and the headaches they can cause, I want to talk about the way a computer chooses the right program when you double click a file name in order to open it.

Each program we use has particular extension types that it can use.Some extensions types are used by a number of programs, like the ‘dot jpg’ files used for photos.So, your computer maintains a list of all the file types it can recognise and it associates with an application that will be used with it. Install a new program and this list gets updated, and that is when the fun can start.

For instance, your computer will be delivered with a default setting for viewing ‘dot jpg’ files. This may be Paint, Explorer or Picture Viewer, perhaps.

You get used to it and you like it that way. However, install a new package, for instance an application supplied with your new camera, and you can find that things have changed.

In the manner of a visitor who is sat in your favourite chair before you can get the front door closed, your new software has presumed that all ‘dot jpg’ shall henceforth be viewed in it self and updated your list.

To see this list, use Windows Explorer, select ‘Folder Options’ from the ‘Tools’ menu and look at the ‘Files Types’ panel. There are facilities here to add, change and remove records and get file types opening with your preferred applications.