Your computer recognizes the most common types of DOS and Windows files and uses preassigned applications to open the files.

If you can't open a DOS or Windows file by double-clicking its icon:
Try opening the file from within the program you want to use to view or edit the file. Many Mac OS programs can open DOS and Windows files directly.

If a DOS or Windows file is displayed incorrectly, or you see strange characters:

•	Your application program may require you to follow special instructions to open and save documents in different file formats. See the documentation that came with your program.
•	Try opening the document in another program.
•	Some characters that can be displayed on DOS computers are not accurately displayed on Macintosh computers.

If the preassigned application isn't working correctly:
You can change the assigned applications or add new ones using the PC Exchange section of the File Exchange control panel.

Help me assign an application to a DOS or Windows file type.

The options you set in the File Exchange control panel modify the file translation settings you've made in the Internet control panel. Changes you make in the Internet control panel also modify your File Exchange settings.

Tip: To get more help using the File Exchange control panel, open the Help menu and choose Show Balloons. Then, point to the feature or menu item you're interested in.

Related topic

Opening files and programs