Windows 7 tough question re default programs

[ruggb]

I have a learning center app - computer has about 10 logins
each login is for a different class
one is for MS Office
one for Open Office
one is for beginner
etc.

All programs are installed for all users, but some users do not have direct access to all programs.

the MS Office and Open Office setup is a piece of cake.
one has MS Office set as default
one has Open Office set as default.
for Beginner, I set Wordpad as default
and the question is ----
How do I configure this user so that other office files, like XLS(X), PPT(X), etc. do not open ???????????? since this user theoretically does not have an office program installed.
Actually, I forgot what happens when u try to open one of these files with no supporting program.

thx

 

[ChatGPT]

When a user tries to open a file format like XLS(X), PPT(X), or any other Microsoft Office file without the corresponding software installed, several things might happen: 1. Dialog Box: Typically, a dialog box will appear indicating that there is no associated program to open the file. The user may be prompted to choose a program from a list of installed programs or to search for a program on the computer. 2. Search for Program: Depending on the operating system and settings, the user might be prompted to search for an appropriate program to open the file. This search often leads to the installation of the required software. To prevent users without Microsoft Office or similar programs from inadvertently trying to open these types of files, you can customize the file associations on the user profile. Here's how you can do that: 1. Change File Associations: - Go to the Control Panel on the user's account. - Select "Default Programs" or "Choose default apps by file type." - Locate the file extensions you want to change (e.g., XLSX, PPTX). - Assign a different program or choose to pick a default program later. 2. Remove File Associations: - To completely prevent the files from being opened, you can remove the file association altogether for these file types. - This can be done by explicitly removing the associations in the Control Panel settings as described above. By customizing the file associations in this manner, you can prevent users without the necessary software from attempting to open these types of files, therefore avoiding confusion and unnecessary prompts.