Solved Is it possible to set a specific file to open with another program?

ziklz

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I know it's possible to open a specific file type on a specific program (using default programs or "open with" context menu). But I was wondering if it's possible to apply that on a specific file, not file type.

For example, I have 4 videos (vid1.avi, vid2.avi, vid3.avi, vid4.avi) and I want vid1.avi to open in WMP (by default) while the other 3 in another video player like MPC (also by default). Is it possible?
 

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ASUS K42JK
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Windows 7 Ultimate x64 (main), Windows 8 Consumer Preview x64
Not by default, but you could do it using a new shortcut.

Create a shortcut to the player.
"C:\folder\player.exe"

Then add the path to the file you want to play so the shortcut points to:

"C:\folder\player.exe" "D:\videos\avi1.avi"

Another option is to change the file extension to something unused e.g. .bvi instead of .avi and then associate the .bvi extension to the player you want for that file

Another option is to convert the file to another known format and associate that with the alternate player.
 

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File name's extension part is used for opening the file with a default program. To change the default program you have to use the Open with command or from the File-Open menu command from within the program.

There is no way to open one file with one program and another file with a different program, by double clicking on the file names when the extension of both files is same.
 

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Recent addition to my toys are Asus Transformer Pad TF300T with 32GB onboard sd card + 32GB microsd card.
Tried Sub Styler's suggestion, and it works even on other file types. It's a bit of a hassle though when the file is moved.
 

My Computer My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
ASUS K42JK
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate x64 (main), Windows 8 Consumer Preview x64
I gave 3 options,

Yes the shortcut method is reliant upon the files remaining in the same location. The other options should not pose such a problem. (if you rename an .avi to .bvi it will still be an .avi and play normally when associated)

Edit: To change a files extension you will need to uncheck the "Hide extension for known file types" in the folder view setting dialogue.

folder view.png
 

My Computer My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Self Build
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate x64
CPU
Intel Core2 Quad Q8300 2.5Ghz
Motherboard
Asus P5QD Turbo
Memory
Kingston HyperX 4x1GB DDR2 1066Mhz
Graphics Card(s)
Asus/Nvidia 9500GT 1GB
Sound Card
On-Board HD
Monitor(s) Displays
22" Widescreen TFT
Screen Resolution
1920x1080
Hard Drives
2x 320Gb Seagate SATAII RAID 0
2x 80Gb Seagate SATAII RAID 0
1x 1tb hybrid (8gb ssd)
PSU
650w
Case
ATX
Cooling
140mm front, 120mm Rear, 80mm Chipset + stock CPU and GPU
Keyboard
Plastic one
Mouse
Plastic one
Internet Speed
4Mbps
Other Info
Laptop: HP Elitebook 2560p
i5 @2.7Ghz 4GB DDR3
Yes Sub Styler's method is to circumvent the default file extension. Changing the file's extension is a good idea. OP can setup different media files for different players by this method.
 

My Computer My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Toshiba Satellite P775-S7232
OS
MS Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit SP1
CPU
i5-2410M 2.3GHz (2.9GHz Turbo-Boost) Sandy Bridge 32nm
Motherboard
Toshiba PHRAA ver. PSBY1U-00F003
Memory
4GB+4GB Samsung DDR3 PC3-10700 (1333 MHz)
Graphics Card(s)
Video Intel(R) HD Graphics Family, 1696MB available memory
Sound Card
Realtek High Definition Audio version=6.0.1.6323
Monitor(s) Displays
17.3 " Trubrite TFT LCD, LED Backlit
Screen Resolution
1600x900 32 bit, Native support for 720P content
Hard Drives
TOSHIBA MK6476GSXN
580.614 [GB] partitioned C: 80GB and D: 500GB with hidden recovery partitons.

Spare bay for 2nd HDD but no SATA connector :-(
PSU
Toshiba AC/DC Adapter
Case
Notebook
Cooling
Built-in Fan
Keyboard
Premium Raised Tile keyboard
Mouse
Logitech M215 wireless mouse
Internet Speed
Not fast enough
Other Info
Built-in Harman Kardon speakers with Dolby Advanced Audio, Waves MaxxAudio® 3. HDMI, 1xUSB3+3xUSB2 ports, WebCam, Battery life 4hrs 11mins, 4GB Readyboost SDHC card, WD My Book Essential Ext HDDs 2 TB, 2x1TB, My Passport SE 1TB and WDTV 1st Gen for Multimedia playing on a Sony Wega 32" LCD.
Recent addition to my toys are Asus Transformer Pad TF300T with 32GB onboard sd card + 32GB microsd card.
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