When trying to open Excel documents, I'm getting a pop up error stating 'This file does not have a program associated with it for performing this action. Create an association in the Set Associations control panel.' How do I do this? I do not believe that Windows Vista Home Premium has Windows Excel in it.

If you want to open Excel files, chances are you need to install a program that can open Excel files. Such as Excel for instance. Or another compatible spreadsheet program. Or at least the free viewer: microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=c8378bf4-996c-4569-b547-75edbd03aaf0&displaylang=EN
Maxwell Bluemeanie "Larrymac"

Max, I am having the same problem, with the same message only with MS Works. I have MS Works 8.5 installed. Anyone have any ideas on this.
"Max"

If you don't have the associated program installed you can not open the file.
You can download/install the free Excel Viewer support.microsoft.com/kb/925180 and microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=c8378bf4-996c-4569-b547-75edbd03aaf0&displaylang=EN

Regards,
Richard Urban Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User (For email, remove the obvious from my address)
Quote from George Ankner: If you knew as much as you think you know, You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!
"Larrymac"