Tips to open ISM file

Can't open the ISM file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open ISM files as well as a list of programs that support ISM files.

ISM file extension

File Name InstallShield Project Format
File Developer Flexera Software
File Category Data Files

The ISM file is supported on 1 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the ISM files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the ISM file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is ISM file?

The file in the ISM format belongs to the Data Files category. The author of this format is Flexera Software. In addition to this file, the Data Files category includes 1326 related files. InstallShield Project Format is supported by 1 operating systems. These systems consist of Windows, although it may occasionally be found on another system, it will be non-functional. The main program that supports this format is InstallShield. This was created by Flexera Software, Inc..

How to open ISM file?

An often recurring problem with InstallShield Project Format is that ISM is not associated with the correct program file. This is manifested by the fact that ISM files open in unusual applications or do not have an assigned program. How to solve such a problem?

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the ISM file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.

Step 1. Install InstallShield

The first step is to check if the computer has the InstallShield program installed. This can be achieved by typing InstallShield into the operating system search engine. If it is not, installation may solve the problem, as most applications create file associations during installation. Later in this article you will find a list of programs that can open ISM files.

Programs to open ISM file

Remember to download programs supporting ISM files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.

Step 2. Create association of InstallShield with ISM files

If, despite the installed application, the ISM file does not start in the InstallShield application, you must create a file association. The association can be created using the drop-down list available by right-clicking on the file and selecting Properties. Information about the file and the program that the file is associated with are available here. Changes can be made using the "Change" button. If there is no software on the list, simply select "Browse" and manually select the directory where the application is installed. However, it is important to check the "Always use the selected program ..." box, this will allow you to permanently associate the ISM file with the InstallShield application.

Step 3. Update InstallShield to the latest version

If, however, after binding InstallShield with InstallShield Project Format there were still problems, you should update the program to the latest version. In this case, use the Flexera Software, Inc. website or update the program from the application.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the ISM file

Of course, it may happen that despite the above steps, the file still does not work. This could be due to the file itself, the cleanest issues are:

The ISM file may be unusually small compared to the original file. Usually this applies to ISM files downloaded from the Internet in case the download did not finish properly. The file should be downloaded again, making sure that the process has finished correctly.
The most common cause here is computer viruses. A quick virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should clear up any doubts. Alternatively, you can use the scanners available online. The scan should cover the entire computer, not only the ISM file that we want to open. However, remember that not every infected ISM file can be recovered, so it is important to take care of regular backups.
Older version of ISM file may not always be supported by the latest software version. On their websites, developers usually offer free solutions to such problems, e.g. in the form of a conversion program or an older version of the program.
The file may be corrupted in a number of ways. Repairing is very dependent on the file type. Some programs offer the ability to automatically repair ISM file corruption. The easiest way is to restore the file from a backup, if there is one, or contact Flexera Software
The program indicates that the file is encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted ISM files cannot be played on other computers than the one on which they were encrypted, they must be decrypted before using on another device.
Some of the system directories are excluded from modification. The problem is only writing to the file, not reading it. It is best to move ISM to a different directory.
This problem usually affects more complex files. You may find that another program you are using is preventing you from working with the file. Closing other programs should help. If the error persists after closing other programs, wait for a while. However, some background programs may block the ISM file while scanning. If this does not work either, restart the device.