Then all you can do is to setup a custom association (aka external editor) in WinSCP for that file extension.
https://winscp.net/eng/docs/ui_pref_editor

No, double click t won't open the files in Windows File Explorer

Amarige wrote:

I am able to open the tar.bz2 files from the Windows File Explorer because with the right click I see the option to Open with 7-Zip File Manager.

So again, does the association work in Windows File Explorer? Can you open the file the way you need by just double-clicking it?

HI Martin,
See the attachments. I am able to open the tar.bz2 files from the Windows File Explorer because with the right click I see the option to Open with [b]7-Zip File Manager[/b]. But in both panels of WinSCP the files cannot be opened because there is only option to Open. When I click on Open I get the Acrobat reader error (see screen shot of Adobe error)

thank you

Can you post a screenshot showing Windows File Explorer, and both local and remote WinSCP file panel, all containing those bz2 files?

Yes, it does

Does the association work in Windows File Explorer?

WinSCP on my laptop has the correct file association and I am able to open the archived files. Somehow, the file association is wrong on my other machine and I am not able to open the archived files. See attached screen shots. I spent a lot of time trying to change the incorrect Adobe Acrobat file association, but no luck. I am sure it's something simple, but I do not see the option and I need help.

Thank you in advance