In Windows, when I double-click an existing Word document, why does it open as a new document?

If you double-click an existing Word document in Windows and it opens as a new document, this happens because the file associations are set incorrectly. This problem has been resolved in Vista and later, as these operating systems do not allow for advanced file association options.

To correct the file associations in Word documents in Windows XP:

1. Double-click the My Computer icon.
   
   
2. From the Tools menu, select Folder Options... .
   
   
3. Click the File Types tab.
   
   
4. From the list of file types under "Registered file types:", select Microsoft Word Document.
   
   
5. Click Advanced.
   
   
6. In the list under "Actions:", New is probably in bold type, while the other selections are not. Highlight Open and click Set default. Open should now be in bold type.
   
   
7. Click OK.

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