Tips to open DWS file
Can't open the DWS file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open DWS files as well as a list of programs that support DWS files.
DWS file extension
| File Name |
AutoCAD Drawing Standards Format |
| File Developer |
Autodesk |
| File Category |
CAD Files |
The DWS file is supported on 1 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the DWS files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the DWS file on each system platform.
What is DWS file?
The file in the DWS format belongs to the CAD Files category. It was designed by Autodesk. Additionally, the CAD Files category contains 158 of other files. AutoCAD Drawing Standards Format appears on 1 operating systems as a functional file. The file will work on Windows systems, unfortunately not on others. The AutoCAD application is recommended to open the file. It was released by Autodesk, Inc..
How to open DWS file?
The main problem with AutoCAD Drawing Standards Format is that the DWS file is incorrectly associated with programs. Thus, when you open DWS, the program selection wizard or some other program starts. This can be quickly resolved by following the instructions below.
The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the DWS 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 AutoCAD
An often overlooked issue is to make sure that AutoCAD is installed on the computer. The easiest method is to use the system search engine by entering the program name AutoCAD in it. In the absence of an appropriate program, its installation in the vast majority of cases will fix the problem. Later in this article you will find a list of programs that can open DWS files.
Programs to open DWS file
Remember to download programs supporting DWS files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.
Step 2. Create association of AutoCAD with DWS files
If, despite the installed application, the DWS file does not start in the AutoCAD application, you must create a file association. It is most convenient to call the context menu with the right mouse button and select Properties. 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. The program should be visible in the window, otherwise it should be selected manually using the "Browse" button and the program installation directory should be indicated. The "always use the selected program ..." field will set the AutoCAD application as the default for handling the DWS file.
Step 3. Update AutoCAD to the latest version
If, however, after binding AutoCAD with AutoCAD Drawing Standards Format there were still problems, you should update the program to the latest version. Some applications allow you to update from the program level, and for others you need to download the installer from the Autodesk, Inc. page and install.
Step 4. Check for the following problems with the DWS file
The problem may also be with the file itself if the above steps don't work. 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 DWS file. 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. Some antivirus vendors also provide free online scanners. For the best results, we will scan the entire operating system, not just our DWS file. As a result of the scan, sometimes it is not possible to recover DWS files, which are deleted if there is a backup of this file, then after restoring it, it must also be scanned.
Older version of DWS file may not always be supported by the latest software version. Help should be sought from the software developer, as they usually recommend using free file converters or installing 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 DWS files. The easiest way is to restore the file from a backup, if there is one, or contact Autodesk
When reading, a message appears that the file was encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted DWS 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.
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. Copying the DWS file to another location will fix the problem.
This problem usually affects more complex files. You may find that another program you are using is preventing you from working with the file. Just close unnecessary programs. Sometimes it is necessary to wait a while before referencing the DWS file again. Some anti-virus or backup software may occupy the DWS file for a certain period of time. If this does not work either, restart the device.
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