Opening files in Windows is the computer equivalent of taking out work that you started earlier. Opening a file is the same as loading a file.

When would I open a file?

Open a file when you want to view or edit the file.

How do I open a file?

Different programs have different ways of opening files. Windows programs usually use consistent methods for loading files, such as double-clicking the file or using "Open" on the File menu in the program.

Windows file names usually include a three-character extension, following a period (full stop). Windows recognizes which program was used to create the file by looking at the file extension.

Open a text file directly, before starting the program:

1.     Start Windows Explorer. (Start menu button / Programs / Windows Explorer)

2.     Double-click a text file. A text file is a file containing only unformatted text, usually        with a filename ending in ".txt". If you do not know where to find a text file, open         "C:\Windows\Help\License.txt".

Open a text file in the Notepad program:

1.     Start Notepad. (Start menu button / Programs / Accessories / Notepad)

2.     In Notepad, click the File menu.

3.     Click "Open…" on the File menu. The "Open" dialog box appears.

4.     Click the black triangle on the right side of the "Look in" field.

5.     Click "(C:)" on the menu that appears.

6.     Double-click the "Windows" folder. (If the folder and file list does not fit in the         window, use the horizontal scroll bar to find it.)

7.     Click the text file "license.txt" in the window. The name should appear in the "File         name:" field.

8.     Click "Open."

Open an HTML file with Internet Explorer:

1.     Start Internet Explorer

2.     Click "Open…" on the File menu.

3.     Type "C:\Windows\ReadMe.htm" in the field. (Or click "Browse…" to search for another         HTML file.

4      Click "OK."