Open a File in Windows

There are several ways to open a file on your computer. You can open files while working in a specific program. Alternatively, you can go to the "Documents" folder in your "Start" menu to find a list of most of the text and data files stored on your computer. You may also come across files you need to open that fall outside of these parameters. Follow the steps below to open files on a computer with a Windows Vista or Windows 7 operating system.

Steps

Open a File with the Program that Created It

  1. Access the program you need to use and then open it.
    • Windows systems give users the option of saving shortcuts on the Windows Desktop, providing easy access to the programs. The newly installed programs will also be listed under "All Programs" in the Start menu.
    • Click on the program you want to open.
  2. Access the file you want to open by selecting "File" and "Open" from the program's main menu or file menu. "Open" may also be listed on a toolbar across the top of the program.
    • Select the file you want to open from a pop-up window or list.
    • Click on "Browse" in the pop-up window if the file is not shown in the list. This allows you to search for, and select, the program you want to open from other folders on your computer. Click "Open" or "Ok" when you've found your file.

Open a File from the Documents Directory or your Desktop

  1. Click on the word "Documents" on right side of the "Start" menu. This will give you access to the "Documents Library" file list.
  2. Select the file you want to open by double clicking the file name.
    • This will load the program the file was created in and give you access to the file.
    • You can also open a file with another program by right-clicking on the file name that's in the Documents Directory or sitting on the Windows Desktop. This gives you access to a pop-up menu. Select "Open With" to see a list of programs that will open the file.

Open a File Without a Program

  1. Go to Open With at www.openwith.org on the Internet and download one of many free programs designed to open these files.
  2. Browse the Internet for a free reader that relates to the software you need to open the file.

Open Compressed Files

  1. Access the document through the program used to compress it.
  2. Install a program that will open a compressed file, such as Win-Zip or 7-Zip. Programs of this type are either free or require a fee after a trial period.
  3. Open self-extracting compressed files by simply clicking on them.

Tips

  • Free reader programs will work as well as the original software to open files.
  • A file sent to you via email will open when you double-click it, if the appropriate program has been installed on your computer.

Warnings

  • Files that are zipped may require special handling, including following specific rules (such as password access) put into place when zipped.

Things You'll Need

  • Computer
  • Applicable software program, if you have it
  • Windows System

Related Articles

  • Open a File with Another Program on Windows Vista (Using Open‐With Command)

Sources and Citations

Retrieved from "https://kipkis.com/index.php?title=Open_a_File_in_Windows&oldid=297088"