I create a .fods spreadsheet file that I can open from Windows Explorer . And it appears in the recent documents list . But when I click on it in the recent documents list libreoffice tries to open it like a random xml file and not like a spreadsheet encoded in xml .
I tested two sample flat xml files: .fods and .fodt in Windows (XP SP3) using LO 3.3.4 and LO 3.4.3. Both eventually worked after clean installs *and* adding Sample XSLT filters ('Sample XSLT' filters (setup.exe|Modify|Optional Components|XSLT Sample Filters|) Installed 3.4.3 first & tested without the XSLT filters; result was that the .fods file opened as a LO Math file, the .fodt opened as a text file. After adding the filters, both opened as ODF files correctly. Uninstalled 3.4.3 and installed 3.3.4 without the XSLT filters; result was that both the .fods and the .fodt files opened as text. After adding the filters, both opened as ODF files correctly. Unless someone has other test results I reckon that this bug can be closed as works for me... with the remaining question as to why the 'XSLT Sample Filters' are not installed by default? I'll add the two sample files.
Created attachment 51697 [details] Sample .fods file
Created attachment 51698 [details] sample .fodt file
[This is an automated message.] This bug was filed before the changes to Bugzilla on 2011-10-16. Thus it started right out as NEW without ever being explicitly confirmed. The bug is changed to state NEEDINFO for this reason. To move this bug from NEEDINFO back to NEW please check if the bug still persists with the 3.5.0 beta1 or beta2 prereleases. Details on how to test the 3.5.0 beta1 can be found at: http://wiki.documentfoundation.org/QA/BugHunting_Session_3.5.0.-1 more detail on this bulk operation: http://nabble.documentfoundation.org/RFC-Operation-Spamzilla-tp3607474p3607474.html
Just tested with 3.5 beta 2. Default install still can't open a fods file. The option to install the XSLT filters still exists.
I was having the *filters installed* when the bug ocurred and I did view the files when opened from windows explorer so that's not the problem . The problem is when I click on the file in the recent documents list when having alredy installed the filters . Eventually I observed that there was a spreadsheet file opened in writer which I belive to be the problem . I open calc , click on spreadsheet file in the recent documents list and it opens up in writer . So the recent documents list callbacks should be where the problem I encountered lies : use Writer when Calc is needed in some peace of code called when I click on an fods file in the recent documents list . So , Gareth LovesTha Pye , you probably didn't reproduce my use of the program from what you said and not encountering the bug . Also I should have been more clear because it is an obscure problem when looking at it at a glance .
Ahh ok, I should probably make a new bug, this was the first google response to my search for why my friends in Windows land couldn't open the files I was creating. Those filters should be installed by default in Windows, so the behaviour in Windows is the same as in Linux (where a file you can easily create is easy to open)
Not reproducible on LO 4.0.4.2 (Win7 Home Premium 32bit), both attached files can be opened without problem. Please REOPENED this bug if you experiencing different behavior on latest stable release or other system