How do I open a .xls file attachment?

How do I restore the settings that recognize file extensions when opening downloaded attachments?

• I was opening a file the other day with my outlook email and it was an excel spreadsheet- my PC didn't recognize that it was a .xls document and asked me what I wanted to open it with- I chose Excel but also had "always open files with this program" selected by accident and hit "OK". Now, when I try to view a downloaded picture, spreadsheet, adobe pdf file, etc, all it wants to do is open with Excel and tell me that it's the wrong program (which I know). My question is- how do I get back to that screen- or restore the setting in general- that will allow me to open the files? What I have to do now is right click on the downloaded attachment, click "open with" then select the program.... it's a PAIN. I just want my PC to automatically recognize once again the file type and open it correctly FOR ME. HELP!

• Answer:

  Right click a file of a type that's opening in Excel (mp3, jpg, etc.). Choose Open With. Find the program you want it to open with. Make sure the "Always" box is checked. Open it. That sets it for all programs of that type.