how to add default programs for file types

I have tried to add some MS office programs, eg PowerPoint, as default to open ppt presentations. The default on the computer is a PowerPoint available on the network where i work but i want to use my own computer's PowerPoint. My PowerPoint program is not on the list of "other programs" but I can find that by clicking browse in the "open with" window. but when i ask to open it, it does not appear on the list of other programs nor as the default for .ppt. Need some help. Windows 7 was recently installed to replace win XP.

The list of default programs is very small and interestingly does not include any MS office programs which are the ones I have been looking for. Is there a way to add them to this list?

yes, i understand that, but in fact when i select the program it does not appear in the list. So there is something basically wrong with my system and i am not sure how to fix it. possibly something wrong during the installation of windows 7 ?? should it be re-installed?

mbaron said:

I have tried to add some MS office programs, eg PowerPoint, as default to open ppt presentations. The default on the computer is a PowerPoint available on the network where i work but i want to use my own computer's PowerPoint. My PowerPoint program is not on the list of "other programs" but I can find that by clicking browse in the "open with" window. but when i ask to open it, it does not appear on the list of other programs nor as the default for .ppt. Need some help. Windows 7 was recently installed to replace win XP.

If this is a company owned computer, then you should talk with the company's IT staff.

There is a way to setup a computer to not show the app that you browsed to and selected in the steps mentioned in post 4... but that might be what your employer wants to happen.