# Changing file type associations in Windows 98? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [January 5, 2004, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/changing-file-type-associations-in-windows-98/222891 "2004-01-05T22:41:32Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![jackelope](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/a6a055/32.png) [@jackelope](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jackelope)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2004, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/changing-file-type-associations-in-windows-98/222891/1 "2004-01-05T22:41:32Z")
I’m trying to associate JPG files with the GIMP (a free program that’s a lot like Photoshop) in Windows 98, and having incredible frustrations. At present, JPGs are associated with “EasyShare.exe,” the lame image-control software that came with my Kodak digital camera. So I go into “My Computer” or Windows Explorer, click on “View–\>Folder Options–\>File Types” just as I’m told to, and as I’ve done many times before for other file types. There’s “JPEG Image” listed right there as a file type. It says it’s associated with IE instead of EasyShare, but I go ahead and change it to the GIMP. So far so good, except that was apparently not the kind of JPG file that is on my desktop. The file type for the JPGs I want to change is listed (on their properties menu) as “JPG File,” not “JPEG Image.” Trying to figure this out, I create a new file type and try to associate it with the file extension “.jpg.” _BEEP_. “The extension ‘.jpg’ is already in use by file type ‘EasyShare.exe’. Choose another extension.” OK, this is actually progress; at least now I know what the computer is calling .jpg files. I go into the file types menu again to edit the “EasyShare.exe” files, and they’re _not in the list of file types at all_. So in short, I’ve got files all over the place that are of a type that doesn’t exist and is apparently irrevocably associated with a clunky piece of software that I’d prefer never to use again. Any suggestions? Please? ---
**Author:** ![Amun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/aeb1de/32.png) [@Amun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Amun)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2004, 10:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/changing-file-type-associations-in-windows-98/222891/2 "2004-01-05T22:54:24Z")
Ideally, you _should_ be able to shift+right click one of these files, choose Open With, pick your program, check the box, and be happy. Then again, this IS Windows 98. ---
**Author:** ![spinky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/59ef9b/32.png) [@spinky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/spinky)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2004, 11:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/changing-file-type-associations-in-windows-98/222891/3 "2004-01-05T23:05:17Z")
In XP, the file type associations can be manipulated with the command line utilities “ftype” and “assoc”, which I prefer to the GUI. If these are available in '98, typing “ftype /?” and/or “assoc /?” at the command prompt will give you more info. Hope that helps. ---
**Author:** ![jackelope](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/a6a055/32.png) [@jackelope](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jackelope)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2004, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/changing-file-type-associations-in-windows-98/222891/4 "2004-01-05T23:06:13Z")
Success! Thanks, **Amun** ; I think I knew that a long time ago but had forgotten about it. The file type still isn’t showing in the list for some reason, but that’s not really important to me. Well, that was quick. Mods, feel free to close this thread if you like. ---
**Author:** ![jackelope](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/a6a055/32.png) [@jackelope](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jackelope)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2004, 11:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/changing-file-type-associations-in-windows-98/222891/5 "2004-01-05T23:07:58Z")
**ntucker** , I didn’t see your post; **Amun** ’s advice handled the problem though. Thanks. ---
**Author:** ![sailor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a587f6/32.png) [@sailor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sailor)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2004, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/changing-file-type-associations-in-windows-98/222891/6 "2004-01-05T23:15:14Z")
There are several extensions there: JPG, JPEG, JFIF and JPE what are they associated with?