"Documents" wont let me open file

scubadad

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In Windows 7 if I open "documents" I can see my files but if I double click on one I get a dialogue box inviting me to "save" it. I dont want to save it - it is already there! How do I open it?
Same problem if I try to find all files of a similar name in the "start search" box of the start menu. - I can see them but it wont let me open them.

Sorry if this is a forum regular question - I couldn't find it under a number of different searches.
 

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packard bell TJ65
OS
windows 7

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In Windows 7 if I open "documents" I can see my files but if I double click on one I get a dialogue box inviting me to "save" it. I dont want to save it - it is already there! How do I open it?
Same problem if I try to find all files of a similar name in the "start search" box of the start menu. - I can see them but it wont let me open them.

Sorry if this is a forum regular question - I couldn't find it under a number of different searches.

It sounds to me like the documents are set to be opened with Internet Explorer.

Have you also tried using the File Associations control panel? Click the Start Button, then click "Default Programs"
 

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Virtual Machine
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Windows 7 Professional 32-bit SP1
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AMD A4/A6
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Intel Corporation 440BX Desktop Reference Platform
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3.00GB EDO
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To Richc46
Thanks for the reply - Yes I do have full permissions and the file does not have "hidden" or "read only" attributes
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
packard bell TJ65
OS
windows 7
Fortunately, Dzomlija has posted, too. Give that a try.
 

My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Dell XPS 420
OS
Windows 10, Home Clean Install
CPU
Intel Core2 processsor Q8200(2.33Ghz 1333FSB) Quad Core Tech
Motherboard
Dell
Memory
6 gb
Graphics Card(s)
ATI Radeon 256MB HD3650
Sound Card
Intergrated 7.1 Channel Audio
Monitor(s) Displays
Dell SP2009W 20"
Hard Drives
640 GB Serial ATA Hard drive
Cooling
Fan
Keyboard
Dell USB Keyboard
Mouse
Dell Premium Optical USB
Internet Speed
DSL 2.85
Hi Dzomlija
Thanks for your reply - Any idea on how I can check your suggestion that the files might be set to open with Internet Explorer?
The files I am interested in are all text or spreadsheet and I have set OpenOffice as the default program for anything it can open.
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
packard bell TJ65
OS
windows 7
Hi All,
I seem to have answered my own question.
When I click on "documents" or "my documents" I am only offered "organise, views or burn" but when I click on a single file it also opens the "open" option. I double clicked on the file name and that is why it jumped straight to the "save" dialogue box.
Sorry to waste your time but your answers have given me a bit of help in understanding the problem.
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
packard bell TJ65
OS
windows 7
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