Vista - Unassociate File Extention Type

**Brink**

How to Unassociate a File Extension Type in Vista

Information

This will show you how to set a file extension to be associated with nothing instead of some default program without having to delete the file extension unless you wanted to.

NOTE

This is a standalone EXE program that does not install to your computer.

CREDIT TO:

Ramesh Srinivasan - www.winhelponline.com/articles/231/1/

RELATED LINKS:

Here's How:

1. Download the free unassoc.zip file and save it to your desktop.

2. Right click on unassoc.zip (On Desktop) and click Open.

3. Extract both files to the desktop. (See screenshot below)

4. Click on the Unassoc.exe icon to run the program.
NOTE: I would recommend that you put these two files in a new folder and save them in your C:\Program Files folder, then make a shortcut for the Unassoc.exe to use.

5. Click on Continue in the UAC prompt.

6. To Unassociate a File Extension Type -
A) Click on a file extension type from the list in the left pane to select it. (See screenshot below step 7)

B) Click on Remove file association (User).

7. To Delete a File Extension Type -
A) Click on a file extension type from the list in the left pane to select it. (See screenshot)

B) Click on Delete file type.

8. Close program when done.

That's it,
Shawn

**elisabeth999** · 07-04-2008

Hi, I have been trying desperately for 3 hours to remove the association of the file type .INS from the program "Inspiration" (Document Mapping) so that I can run an .INS file as an "install shield script" file. I tried your tutorial and, sure enough, in the control panel, the ".INS" file type is no longer associated with Inspiration. However, when I look at my downloaded copy of a new program that I want to install that includes the .INS file type, it is still associated with Inspiration! It is EVIL! Can you help me? Thanks!

**elisabeth999** · 07-04-2008

Sorry, me again, I just realized that I deleted the file extension instead of unassociating it. Is there any way I can fix this??? Thanks, --e.

**Brink** · 07-05-2008

Hi Elisabeth,

Welcome to Vista Forums.

If you installed a program that added the .INS extension, then you can reinstall it to add it back so you can unassociate it.

You can also right click on the .INS file and use Open With to select a EXE program to use to open it with.

Default Programs

Hope this helps,
Shawn

**mansrm81** · 01-31-2009

When I run the program and find the file I want to unassociate the Remove file association (User) is grayed out. What else can I do do unassociate.

**Brink** · 01-31-2009

Hello Mansrm. What file extension are you wanting to unassociate?

**mansrm81** · 01-31-2009

.001 from 7-zip I didn't want to always open with that program.

**Brink** · 01-31-2009

.001 from 7-Zip? I do not see a file extension listed for that in 7-Zip.

Anyways, you can unassociate it by:

Open a elevated command prompt.
Type assoc .001=
Press Enter.
Close elevated command prompt.

**mansrm81** · 01-31-2009

I did the open with and associated it that way.

**Brink** · 01-31-2009

OK, I'm glad that you got it sorted out.

07-04-2008
elisabeth999 Vista Home Premium 32bit 6 posts	Re: Unassociate File Extention Type Hi, I have been trying desperately for 3 hours to remove the association of the file type .INS from the program "Inspiration" (Document Mapping) so that I can run an .INS file as an "install shield script" file. I tried your tutorial and, sure enough, in the control panel, the ".INS" file type is no longer associated with Inspiration. However, when I look at my downloaded copy of a new program that I want to install that includes the .INS file type, it is still associated with Inspiration! It is EVIL! Can you help me? Thanks!
My System Specs

07-04-2008
elisabeth999 Vista Home Premium 32bit 6 posts	Re: Unassociate File Extention Type Sorry, me again, I just realized that I deleted the file extension instead of unassociating it. Is there any way I can fix this??? Thanks, --e.
My System Specs

07-05-2008
Brink Vista x64 Ultimate SP2, Windows 7 Ultimate x64 25,919 posts	Re: Unassociate File Extention Type Hi Elisabeth, Welcome to Vista Forums. If you installed a program that added the .INS extension, then you can reinstall it to add it back so you can unassociate it. You can also right click on the .INS file and use Open With to select a EXE program to use to open it with. Default Programs Hope this helps, Shawn
My System Specs

01-31-2009
mansrm81 Vista Ultimate 64bit SP2/ 1,863 posts	Re: Unassociate File Extention Type When I run the program and find the file I want to unassociate the Remove file association (User) is grayed out. What else can I do do unassociate.
My System Specs

01-31-2009
Brink Vista x64 Ultimate SP2, Windows 7 Ultimate x64 25,919 posts	Re: Unassociate File Extention Type Hello Mansrm. What file extension are you wanting to unassociate?
My System Specs

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