How to restore file associations for SDL Trados Studio

Any of the following symptoms:

• A file that should open in SDL Trados Studio does not (when double clicking it in Windows Explorer).
• When double clicking such a file, SDL Trados Studio opens but the appropriate action does not happen (e.g. when double clicking a project file, the project is not added to the list of projects).
•  Files that are associated with SDL Trados Studio display with the incorrect icon.

Solution 1: Run a repair installation

1. Open the Control Panel
2. Go to Programs and Features
3. Select SDL Trados Studio 2021, or SDL Trados Studio 2019, or SDL Trados Studio 2017, or SDL Trados Studio 2015, or SDL Trados Studio 2014 SP2
4. Click Repair

Solution 2: Restore associations with attached .reg file (only English and German operating system)

WARNING: Before continuing, we recommend that you create a backup of your Windows registry (see step 1). Any unwanted changes cannot be undone and may permanently harm your computer. You use the Windows Registry Editor at your own risk..

1. Make a backup of your current registry (click here for more information)
2. Download the zip archive corresponding to your version of SDL Trados Studio 2014, 2015, 2017, 2019 or 2021 (you can find the links at the end of this article) and extract it to your local drive
3. Locate the .reg file that corresponds to you operating system version  (see Microsoft KB to determine whether you have a 32 or 64 bit operating system):
   • English operating system, 64 bit: Restore_File_Associations_EN_64-Bit_(Version).reg
   • English operating system, 32 bit: Restore_File_Associations_EN_32-Bit_(Version).reg
   • German operating system, 64 bit: Restore_File_Associations_DE_64-Bit_(Version).reg
   • German operating system, 32 bit: Restore_File_Associations_DE_32-Bit_(Version).reg
   You can also open the .reg files in a text editor to see its contents.
4. Close SDL Trados Studio
5. Double click the .reg file corresponding to your operating system and confirm the security prompt
6. Restart your computer

Solution 3: Registry Cleaner

1. Open the Control Panel
2. Go to Programs and Features
3. Select SDL Trados Studio 2021, SDL Trados Studio 2019, SDL Trados Studio 2017 - Remove suite of products, SDL Trados Studio 2015 SR2 - Remove suite of products or SDL Trados Studio 2014 SP2 - Remove suite of products
4. Click Uninstall
5. Download a registry cleaner (e.g. CCleaner, Note: CCleaner is not an SDL product. SDL does not guarantee the functionality of this application).
6. Check and clean up your registry
7. Repeat step 6 until no issues are found in the registry
8. Install SDL Trados Studio

SDL file type associations not set correctly in the registry. This can sometimes happen when during the installation process you are prompted to reboot your computer, but select "No".

Do you still require help?

If this article has not solved your issue or if you require assistance, contact the SDL Support Team:

• For customers holding a support contract:
  1. Log in to the SDL Gateway with your SDL Account.
  2. Click on the blue Log a Case button.
     Note: For detailed instructions, refer to the video tutorial.
• For customers without a support contract: request support through our Web Form for TP Licensing & Installation Issues on https://gateway.sdl.com.