Tips to open DSW file

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

DSW file extension

File Name Visual C++ 6 Workspace Format
File Developer Microsoft
File Category Settings Files

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

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

What is DSW file?

The DSW file has been categorized as Settings Files. The author of this format is Microsoft. In addition to this file, the Settings Files category includes 1305 related files. Visual C++ 6 Workspace Format is most often found on 1 operating systems. The file will work on Windows systems, unfortunately not on others. The Microsoft Visual Studio application is recommended to open the file. It was released by Microsoft Corporation. This file type can also be opened by 1 other programs. Borland C++ will apply when it is not possible to use Microsoft Visual Studio.

How to open DSW file?

The most common problem when using Visual C++ 6 Workspace Format is that a specific DSW is not associated with the program. Thus, when you open DSW, the program selection wizard or some other program starts. How to solve such a problem?

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the DSW 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 Microsoft Visual Studio

An often overlooked issue is to make sure that Microsoft Visual Studio is installed on the computer. This can be achieved by typing Microsoft Visual Studio 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 DSW files.

Programs to open DSW file

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

Step 2. Create association of Microsoft Visual Studio with DSW files

If the application is or has been freshly installed, but the DSW file still does not use the Microsoft Visual Studio program, it means no association. It is most convenient to call the context menu with the right mouse button and select Properties. The displayed window will contain information about the program that supports this type of file. 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. Checking the "Always use the selected program ..." box will permanently associate the DSW file with the Microsoft Visual Studio program.

Step 3. Update Microsoft Visual Studio to the latest version

If, despite the association of the Microsoft Visual Studio program with the Visual C++ 6 Workspace Format file, the file still does not open, check the program version and possibly update it to the newest version. In this case, use the Microsoft Corporation website or update the program from the application.

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

If the above steps do not help, you can assume that the file itself is not correct. The most common file problems are:

The affected file may be 0 KB or smaller than expected. This is most often caused by a problem while downloading the DSW file. Downloading the file again should fix the problem.
The most common cause here is computer viruses. A virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should fix the problem. Some antivirus vendors also provide free online scanners. The scan should cover the entire computer, not only the DSW file that we want to open. However, remember that not every infected DSW 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 DSW file. Help should be sought from the software developer, as they usually recommend using free file converters or installing 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. Some programs offer the ability to automatically repair DSW file corruption. The easiest way is to restore the file from a backup, if there is one, or contact Microsoft
The program indicates that the file is encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted DSW files can be used by the device on which they were encrypted, on any other device it is required to have the appropriate cryptographic key and decrypt the file before its recovery.
The operating system protects files in some locations (e.g. the root of the system partition) against unauthorized access. The problem is only writing to the file, not reading it. It is best to move DSW to a different directory.
This problem usually affects more complex files. Some file types can only be opened in one program at a time. Just close unnecessary programs. If the error persists after closing other programs, wait for a while. Antivirus programs or a backup being made may lock the file for a while without the user's knowledge. If the problem persists, restart the machine.