In Windows 7, can a program overrride file associations not set in "Set Default Programs"?

I am using Windows 7. I installed a media application (KMPlayer) that does not show up in the "Set Default Programs" list.

Now in the KMPlayer's preferences, there's a setting to associate file types with itself. But when I tried that, I noticed that the files still default to Windows Media Player.

So can I assume that no external application can change the program associated with a file type unless explicitly done via the:

• [Set Default Programs] or


• [Associate a file type ... with a program] or the


• [Open with...] options?

Thanks in advance!

Btw, I know there are utilities that can help me batch change it. I'm just more curious about the "rules" that Windows 7 has in place regarding file types and their associated programs.