Prob with docs saved from internet

[tigerlelly]

I use Windows xp and am on Virginmedia broadband. Until recently I wasable to open docs, pics and email messages that I'd saved fronm the internet without any problems. Suddenly these have started to latch onto any open internet window to open when it all used to be separate. If no window is open the doc creates a connection on its own. I looked at the properties and I have achoice of internet explorer, word, notepad or wordpad as my main options. I've tried all of them and none is satisfactory. I thought word would be ok but there is all extra gubbins on the page.
I don't think I've changed how I save these docs as even a photo that a friend had e-mailed me and which used to open without the internet connection now requires it or it won't open.
Please any ideas?
Also how can I stop docs from closing all tabs when I want to close a window?
Many thanks

[gobbledegeek]

Sounds like your file associations may be messed up, e.g. a Word document tries to launch with IE instead of MS Word.
To check, click Start, Run and enter cmd then OK. Then type in assoc .doc
It should say .doc=Word.Document.8 (or similar)
Have a look in XP Help and search for 'file associations'.

[tigerlelly]

Hi,
I tried that and it said .doc=Word.Document.8 as it should.
Any other suggestions? I'm a real thickie-dumbo when it comes to how computers work but I'm doing my best to learn.
Thanks