[Solved] Unwanted file conversion (OpenOffice to Excel)

[r0b0]

When I save a spreadsheet file it gets converted to Excel. How can I prevent this? This has started happening since my MS Office 365 was updated.

[robleyd]

It isn't getting converted. Microsoft in its wisdom, via an update to your Windows, has changed the file associations for OpenOffice files to the MS Office equivalent. This is a common question here. Please see [Tutorial] Setting the default program for MS defaults

[John_Ha]

Microsoft in its wisdom ...

I think I would replace your sarcastic "wisdom" with "ignorant, incompetent arrogance".

[r0b0]

David (robleyd)
Thank you. It appears that I have to use "open with" every time I select a Calc file from File Explorer.
I think I rather agree with with the second commenter regarding Microsoft's attitude. They seem to enjoy making life difficult for those they deem unorthodox.
Rob

[Hagar Delest]

But with the tutorial, you should be able to avoid the Open with method and associate the double click with AOO.

Please add [Solved] at the beginning of the title in your first post (top of the topic) with the 🖉 button if your issue has been fixed.

[RoryOF]

It is a long time since I made any regular or in-depth use of Windows, but I vaguely recall there are two options to "Open with"; the second one, concealed or not very obvious is "always Open with" (words to that effect).

[Hagar Delest]

Actually, in Windows 10, you can select Open with and then Select another application (translation from my French interface) and then there is a checkbox to tell that the application to be selected in the list is to be used by default for this file type.

[r0b0]

"Always Open With" is not available in my Win 11 File Explorer. But thanks for your responses.

[LastUnicorn]

You could just try reinstalling, or repairing, OpenOffice and it should grab the associations back to itself. On the other hand you could install LibreOffice which would be a much better choice on a Windows 10 or Windows 11 system. There are several good reasons for installing LibreOffice, some of which can be seen here: [Tutorial] Considering a Switch from OpenOffice to LibreOffice? Some Useful Information

As part of that tutorial there is information on repairing your OpenOffice/LibreOffice install.

[Bill]

"Always Open With" is not available in my Win 11 File Explorer. But thanks for your responses.

You have to click "Open With" first. This displays the "Always use..." option:
https://youtu.be/BBAIWzhdKPw?t=307

[robleyd]

On the other hand you could install LibreOffice which would be a much better choice on a Windows 10 or Windows 11 system

LastUnicorn may not have mentioned that installing LibreOffice won't be a cure for MS changing file associations.

[RoryOF]

Also, bear in mind that MS updates may regularly change an Open- or Libre-Office file association back to point to MS Office as the application to open these files. So you need to know how to make the file association change, as you may have to do this regularly.

[r0b0]

HI Bill
"You have to click "Open With" first. This displays the "Always use..." option:" Nope! In my Win 11 File Explorer it "Open With" just gives a list of apps. No option to "Always use"
Thanks anyway.

[LastUnicorn]

I'm not on Win 11 myself but having just had a quick look at a guide for Win 11 you should be able to set an "Always use" option (though other comments here are correct that Microsoft could change that at the point of any update): How to Set Your Default Apps on Windows 11

If it was me I would just try a reinstall/repair of the OpenOffice/LibreOffice, saves a lot of hassle.

[Bill]

HI Bill
"You have to click "Open With" first. This displays the "Always use..." option:" Nope! In my Win 11 File Explorer it "Open With" just gives a list of apps. No option to "Always use"
Thanks anyway.

This is more a Windows question than an OpenOffice question. Apparently MS has changed the Open With dialog. I found this in a Windows 11 forum:
https://www.elevenforum.com/t/modern-op ... alog.9319/
Have you tried clicking the "Always" button?

[r0b0]

Yes!! I found the "Always" button. Thank you so much.

[Hagar Delest]

Actually, in Windows 10, you can select Open with and then Select another application (translation from my French interface) and then there is a checkbox to tell that the application to be selected in the list is to be used by default for this file type.

Not sure what was not clear with my instructions but well, problem solved anyway.

[r0b0]

Hagar
Thank you. Now, reading again what you wrote, it makes perfect sense.