How to Unassociate File Types and Remove File Extension Associations in Windows Vista
Windows Vista has GUI (graphical user interface) for editing, changing or setting file associations from various file types and protocols to open with a default program. However, it doesn’t provide a tool or utility to unassociate file types and remove file extension associations that already exists in the registry.
Windows Vista does have two command link utilities that can be use to remove all file extension associations with its default program. Here’s the guide on how to use the assoc and ftype commands to remove file type association of an extension.
Example removing .rar extension associated “to open “with winrar.exe
- Open an elevated command prompt with admistrator privileges.
- Remove the file extension association from its assigned file type with the following command, follow by ENTER:
assoc .ext=
Replace .ext with the extension name that needs to be unassociated. For example, to disassociate WinRAR .rar extension, simply type assoc .rar =.
Note that after disassociation of file extension from file type, the default program for the file type no longer been shown in the “Open With” list for the file extension.
- Then, clear and delete the default program used for the open command when launching files of this type by typing the following command, and press ENTER:
ftype FileType=
Replace FileType with the actual name for the file type associated to the file extension to be removed from the system. For example, for WinRAR, type ftype WinRAR=.
Note that if you don’t know what’s the correct “FileType” to type, simply type assoc (associated file type will be shown after the extension) or ftype to get a listing of all file types defined in the system.
After disassociation or unassociation of a file extension association, when user double clicks on the particular type of file, the dialog box will be prompted saying “This file does not have a program associated with it for performing this action. Create an association in Set Associations control panel.” and user is forced to click the only OK button. However, it’s possible to right click on the file, and choose Open With… option, then user can select a program from a list of install programs to open the file, and on the same time, set the correct and proper file association again.
Related Articles
- Reset and Fix Broken Windows Vista File Ext and Type Associations (Include EXE, COM, SYS, ZIP, LNK, Folder, Drive)
- Restore and Reset File Association in Windows Vista Back to Original Default
- How to Unassociate, Remove or Delete Programs From “Open With” or “Recommended Programs” List
- Open File Location Menu Item Is Missing or Not Showing When Right Click on Shortcut in Windows Vista
- Fix Application Programs Cannot or Unable to Set Associations for Supported File Extensions Problem in Vista
- How to Edit or Change File Type or Extension Associations (Default Programs) in Windows Vista
- Windows Vista File Associations Advanced Editing Management Tools
- Disable Automatic Opening or Saving of Downloads (Re-enable Always Ask Before Check Box)
- Enable Sharing and Transfering of Potentially Unsafe Files in Windows Live Messenger
- Preview C#, Visual Basic, and C++ Source Code files Direct in Attachments Without Opening
Entries (RSS)
February 9th, 2010 23:16
Thanks, this post was very helpful to a peeve I was having with Win 7.
November 5th, 2009 11:55
[...] or default associated program(s). Thus, deleting or removing a program from Open With list does not unassociate file type with its default program, nor affect the ability to automatically open the file in its default program when double click or [...]
July 6th, 2008 21:47
if you use an elevated command prompt with admistrator privileges, the assoc is removed in administrator account and NOT in your account. To remove in your account, you have to open a normal command prompt
June 30th, 2008 05:32
[...] this problem. There is a great article from mydigitallife which I thought can solve my problem: http://www.mydigitallife.info/2008/0…windows-vista/ But I can’t make it to work: For both users, Assoc & ftype looks the same Assoc .pps [...]
June 22nd, 2008 04:31
[...] .pif, .ocx, .wmdb, .wsp, .xmp, .tpl and other extension types. Sometimes, user may accidentally unassociate or delete the file association too, or assign an extension such as shortcut with .lnk to a wrong program when forget to uncheck [...]