Tips to open CHW file
Can't open the CHW file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open CHW files as well as a list of programs that support CHW files.
CHW file extension
| File Name |
Compiled Help Index Format |
| File Developer |
Microsoft |
| File Category |
Misc Files |
The CHW file is supported on 1 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the CHW files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the CHW file on each system platform.
What is CHW file?
The CHW file has been categorized as Misc Files. The author of this format is Microsoft. Additionally, the Misc Files category contains 6033 of other files. Compiled Help Index Format appears on 1 operating systems as a functional file. The file will work on Windows systems, unfortunately not on others.
How to open CHW file?
The most common problem when using Compiled Help Index Format is that a specific CHW is not associated with the program. Thus, when you open CHW, the program selection wizard or some other program starts. This problem can be easily remedied.
The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the CHW 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 FAR
An often overlooked issue is to make sure that FAR is installed on the computer. The easiest method is to use the system search engine by entering the program name FAR in it. If we do not have this program, it is worth installing it, as it will help you automatically associate the file CHW with FAR. Later in this article you will find a list of programs that can open CHW files.
Programs to open CHW file
Remember to download programs supporting CHW files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.
Step 2. Create association of FAR with CHW files
If the application is or has been freshly installed, but the CHW file still does not use the FAR program, it means no association. This option is available from the level of Properties of a specific file available in the context menu. The window will show, among other things, the type of the file and the information by which the program is used to launch the file. Using the "Change" button we can set the program to handle this type. 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. However, it is important to check the "Always use the selected program ..." box, this will allow you to permanently associate the CHW file with the FAR application.
Step 3. Update FAR to the latest version
The fault may also lie with the FAR program, it is possible that Compiled Help Index Format requires a newer version of the program.
Step 4. Check for the following problems with the CHW file
The problem may also be with the file itself if the above steps don't work. This could be due to the file itself, the cleanest issues are:
The CHW file may be unusually small compared to the original file. Usually this applies to CHW 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 operating system may be infected with a computer virus. Perform a virus scan using available and up-to-date anti-virus software. If this is not possible, you can use the online scanner. However, it is important to scan the entire system, not only the file CHW or the program directory. Sometimes virus-infected CHW files cannot be recovered, so make a backup in advance.
A typical compatibility error - the program does not support the older version of the CHW 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.
The file may be corrupted in a number of ways. Depending on the type of file, it is necessary to repair it accordingly. Some programs offer the option of recovering data from damaged CHW files.
The program indicates that the file is encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted CHW 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 operating systems do not allow file operations in certain locations, eg in system directories or directly on the system drive. While there is usually no problem reading such a file, it may not be possible to save it. It is best to move CHW 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. Just close unnecessary programs. If the error persists after closing other programs, wait for a while. However, some background programs may block the CHW file while scanning. If the problem persists, restart the machine.
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