For WIN 7, which for some reason makes it impossible to change what programs open in what programs (although it has to be there), you can use the following links. These involve registry changes, so proceed at your own risk. I would try it on a sandbox, but if you are really serious about it, I would back up the registry and try it. On the Excel that I was trying to make work, the registry settings were already set to open in a program like AC. Keep in mind that opening in a browser is akin to opening in AC for the most part. The little Fix It guy is actually pretty good. Certainly, better than the guy in AC. All he does is say,

Step 1 Yep your firewall is OK
Step 2 Yep your port is open
Step 3 Yep your computer is on (forgot this one)
Step 4 Oh, sorry, you're screwed

Press the button on the left to try again, or
Press the button on the right to try again.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/982995

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/927009

Bert
Pediatrics
Brewer, Maine