Whenever I try to open a program/movie, it asks what program i want to use to open the thing with, and i never know what to use. Is there a way to just set it so it chooses the program for me?
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What do I start programs with?
- Thread starter BrianVarick
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Benjamin
macrumors 6502a
if you have a file type that doesn't have a defaulted application set you can do the following to set it.
Get the info of the file.
Then in the info window use the arrow to display the options for "Open with:" if they aren't displayed already.
Then select an application with the pull down.
Hit change all button to default all files with that type (like .avi) with the application you selected.
Get the info of the file.
Then in the info window use the arrow to display the options for "Open with:" if they aren't displayed already.
Then select an application with the pull down.
Hit change all button to default all files with that type (like .avi) with the application you selected.
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gr8tfly
macrumors 603
It sounds like you are asking about opening a file, not a program.
You can set either the specific file or all files like it to open to a particular program.
Select the file, then either go to "File->Get Info", or type "cmd-I".
About 2/3's way down there is a "Open with:" section. Select the application you want to automatically run. If you want all files of this type to open with that app, click "Change All..."
A shortcut to set application is to right-click (or ctrl-click), then hold down the option key. You will see "Open With" change to "Always Open With".
Hope this helps.
You can set either the specific file or all files like it to open to a particular program.
Select the file, then either go to "File->Get Info", or type "cmd-I".
About 2/3's way down there is a "Open with:" section. Select the application you want to automatically run. If you want all files of this type to open with that app, click "Change All..."
A shortcut to set application is to right-click (or ctrl-click), then hold down the option key. You will see "Open With" change to "Always Open With".
Hope this helps.
I know how to choose a program, I just don't know what program to use. I just want it to find the right program and open the file for me.
TheAnswer
macrumors 68030
some video's I download won't be opened with quicktime, but right now I'm trying to open a program that's on a cd, and it recognizes the cd, but when I try to open the program, it asks for something to start it with.
motulist
macrumors 601
Does this program end with the extension .exe ? If so, then that's a windows-only program and you just need to find the mac version of the program or an alternative program that does the same thing. What's the name of the program you're trying to start?
p.s. for video files, forget about quicktime, just use the free video player called VLC http://www.videolan.org/vlc/download-macosx.html
TheAnswer
macrumors 68030
You can expand Quicktime's usefulness to support other formats...there is Flip4Mac for windows media files, Perian for a lot of other files. Once you install those, Quicktime will be able to open many types of files it doesn't now. Realplayer for mac would also be useful, in case you come across that file type. The VLC player mention above is another good alternative.