How do I make .pl run as perl programs on windows

On Windows, if  when you click or type the name of a .pl file, you get an error "is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file", then this means you do not have the .pl file extension associated with the perl interpreter.  This is normally done by the installer, but not always.

To associate files:
    1) Start windows explorer
    2) Select, from the menu, Tools -> Folder Options
    3) Select the File Types tab
    4)  Look in the list for a PL extension.  If it does NOT exist:
        4a) Click New
        4b) Type pl for extension
    5) Select the PL extension in the list
    6) In the section "opens with", click Change
    7) Select perl.exe
    8) Click OK until all windows are closed.