How can I automatically open files in an editor in Windows

Question

I work with a lot of different data in text files and the extensions are used for categorizing what data is contained so windows is always complaining that it doesn't know what to do with these files when I try to open them. Is there a way to get windows to automatically open file types it doesn't recognize in a specific program (notepad++) or is there a way to write a script or something to triple click, or middle mouse click etc the file to open it in notepad++.

I realize I can right click and there is an "Edit in Notepad++" option but when I'm working with a large number of files the less clicks/mouse movements the better.

I'm using Windows 7.

Solution

Don't change the file extension in your workflow. You can still indicate WHAT the file is in the filename and come up with a name scheme that will still sort the way you need it to. Keep the extension .txt.

Comments

[Leo Chapiro]

possible duplicate of How to set the default program for opening files without an extension in Windows?

[DavidPostill]

Why don't you just keep a copy of notepad++ running and then drag/drop your files onto notepad++ to edit them? Drop to empty part of tab bar. Works with multiple selected files as well.

[amccaffrey]

This seems like what I want however I tried it and it doesn't seem to be working.

[amccaffrey]

Thanks but the problem is the files changes will be different depending on what I'm working on, and some files use a custom extension that is the date the data was logged so there is a large number of possible extensions I'd have to associate with the program.

[amccaffrey]

Thanks, this will work with on file but I'd have to do this with almost every file because a lot of them use a custom extension to display the date the data was logged so I'd have to do this with every almost every file I'm working with and wouldn't save me any time.

[Wutnaut]

Then I suppose it's specific to/controlled by the custom extension - can you give me more details about that?

[amccaffrey]

The problem is we create data in text files but we change the extension to something like .15d which could mean data for a full day on the 15th day, or .156h which could mean hourly file for 15th day 6th hour so the file extensions aren't consistent. So I need something that is general, essentially if Windows doesn't recognize the file type I want it to try to open it in notepad++ rather than asking me what to do with the file. Thanks for the help.

[Wutnaut]

I don't think Windows will allow you to set a "catch-all" program to open unknown extensions.