.usr file will not open

[Alpha1851]

Describe the symptoms of your problem or bug carefully and clearly. Describe the environment in which it occurs (machine, OS, application, version, whatever)

I need to turn in my CLE list to my state bar association. I downloaded the applicable software from the site, filled everything out, and saved it. I also backed up my file. When I attempted to re-open the file I received an error message: This file does not have a program associated with it for performing this action. Create an association in the Folder Options control panel.

I downloaded everything again, refilled it all out again, and received the same error message. I'm unable to save the files to a disk or to email the files.

I've attempted to correct the matter on both my laptops. Windows XP Dell Latitude D620, and Dell Inspiron.

Describe the research you did to try and understand the problem before you asked the question.

I googled .usr files and found that the file extension is a part of FileMaker. However, I don't recall ever downloading filemaker software. Additionally, I checked in my programs list and FileMaker isn't there, and never was there.

I downloaded the trial version of FileMaker and I still receive the same error message. I contacted the state bar about the file issue, and according to them, I shouldn't need FileMaker in order to make this work. Of course, I spoke w/ a secretary not a techie. I asked my co-workers if they were able to save the information, but they all printed the file and wrote the information in. I can always re-type this information on another computer, but it takes a long, long time and is tedious. If there's a more simple solution, like changing my registry or downloading more software, I'm all for it.

I read Paws thread about faulty hard drives, but I don't think that's my problem since this is the only file that won't work. I also searched for other similar threads in this section, but I didn't come up w/ anything.

Just in case it's relevant, I'm able to save other files such as pdf, doc, docx, etc.

Describe the diagnostic steps you took to try and pin down the problem yourself before you asked the question.

I ran Registry Mechanic which didn't fix the problem. I also ran windows xp associate, however, the .usr extension isn't available.

Describe any possibly relevant recent changes in your computer or software configuration.

None.

Any solutions? You fellas usually make magic happen!

 

[Corny]

Filemaker is obviously not the software used to create those files. What's the name of the software that you downloaded for creating the file?

 

[Alpha1851]

Thanks for your assistance Corny!

I downloaded the file from my state bar website (it requires my password or I'd share it). The file is called setup.exe

Does that help?

When I look in my program files (which lists all the programs downloaded on my computer), the folder is called CLE2.4 When I open the folder, I see all of my files, but they end in .usr and look like the files usually look when the information isn't there. Additionally, there are files that end in .dll

I also tried to fix the problem by running Dial-a-Fix.

I tried turning off my firewall and spyware, but that didn't make a difference. Just in case it's relevant, my spyware shield (whatever it's called) is Spyware Doctor and my firewall is Online Armor.

 

[Corny]

Yeah well setup.exe merely says us that it is the installer. But what is the name of the program that it installs? The program that you used to create the file.
I doubt that .usr is the actual data file in this case. What do you see when you open it with a text editor (notepad) ?

 

[Alpha1851]

Yeah well setup.exe merely says us that it is the installer. But what is the name of the program that it installs? The program that you used to create the file.

By programs, I think you're talking about word documents, or excel documents or pdf files, correct? If so, this one is literally called CLE2.4

When I go to the website I log in w/ my name, bar number, and password. All of my access files pop up w/ links that will get me to the court databases, the prison databases, the expert witness files, everything. There's also a section for paying your bar fees and for turning in your CLEs (continuing legal education). I click on that link and up pops setup2.4exe. I save it to my computer and it opens up the files that I have to fill out. I fill them out and hit save.

Then, I open up my program files and locate the folder CLE 2.4 Once I click on that, there are a ton of additional files which are the pages I filled out, such as coursedate.usr, barnumber.usr, litigation.usr, fees.usr. I filled out one document, CLE2.4, but when I open the folder, it's separated into different documents. There's also an install log which states, "could not self register."

I doubt that .usr is the actual data file in this case. What do you see when you open it with a text editor (notepad) ?

I went to the files and changed the extension from .usr to .txt and it's not readable. A bunch of weird symbols appear.

I tried changing the .usr extension to .pdf and .doc to no avail.

 

[Alpha1851]

^That worked! Thanks Corn Dog and Norio for your help! You guys rock.

I really appreciate all the help you techies give us. You're so patient.

 

[Alpha1851]

^It's an affectionate nickname, like Oreo, but it's Norio. Before I thought of you as Onion Fry.

 

[Corny]

Glad that you fixed it

By programs, I think you're talking about word documents, or excel documents or pdf files, correct?

No, those are just files - created by programs. Such as MS Office Word or Excel or Adobe Acrobat.