Tips to open ABW file

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

ABW file extension

File Name AbiWord Document
File Developer AbiSource
File Category Text Files

The ABW file is supported on 3 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the ABW files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the ABW file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 1
  • 1
  • 2
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is ABW file?

The file with the extension ABW is the Text Files file type. It was designed by AbiSource. Text Files consists of 440 similar files. AbiWord Document is supported by 3 operating systems. The file will work on Linux, Mac OS, Windows systems, unfortunately not on others. The main program that supports this format is AbiWord. This was created by The AbiSource Community. Alternatively, you can use 3 other programs. You can use KWord in case AbiWord cannot be used.

How to open ABW file?

The main problem with AbiWord Document is that the ABW file is incorrectly associated with programs. This causes the file ABW to open by system applications not designed for this purpose, or to display a message that there is no associated program. This can be quickly resolved by following the instructions below.

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the ABW 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 AbiWord

An often overlooked issue is to make sure that AbiWord is installed on the computer. To do this, enter the name AbiWord into the system search engine. If we do not have this program, it is worth installing it, as it will help you automatically associate the file ABW with AbiWord. Below you will find a list of applications that support ABW files.

Programs to open ABW file

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

Step 2. Create association of AbiWord with ABW files

If, despite the installed application, the ABW file does not start in the AbiWord application, you must create a file association. This option is available from the level of Properties of a specific file available in the context menu. Information about the file and the program that the file is associated with are available here. Using the "Change" button we can select the desired program. It may happen that in the next window there will be no appropriate program - however, this can be corrected with the "Browse" option where you should manually indicate the program location. Checking the "Always use the selected program ..." box will permanently associate the ABW file with the AbiWord program.

Step 3. Update AbiWord to the latest version

If, despite the association of the AbiWord program with the AbiWord Document file, the file still does not open, check the program version and possibly update it to the newest version. In this case, use the The AbiSource Community website or update the program from the application.

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

The problem may also be with the file itself if the above steps don't work. File problems can be divided into the following:

The ABW file may be unusually small compared to the original file. This suggests truncating the ABW file contents when downloading or copying. Downloading the file again should fix the problem.
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 ABW file that we want to open. However, remember that not every infected ABW file can be recovered, so it is important to take care of regular backups.
A typical compatibility error - the program does not support the older version of the ABW file. 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.
There can be many reasons for the failure. The repair method must be adapted to the type of file and damage. Sometimes the program itself has options to repair the most popular ABW file corruption. The easiest way to restore the file is from a backup or by contacting AbiSource, but this one can be expensive. Not all damage can be reversed.
The program indicates that the file is encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted file ABW except for the special designation, works normally, but only on the device where it was encrypted, before transferring it to another machine, decryption is required.
Some of the system directories are excluded from modification. These directories are write-protected to them and it's very hard to fix this problem. It is best to move ABW to a different directory.
This can happen on a file that does not support multiple access. You may find that another program you are using is preventing you from working with the file. Closing other programs should help. Sometimes you have to wait for the session to the file ABW to close. Some anti-virus or backup software may occupy the ABW file for a certain period of time. If this does not work either, restart the device.