Tips to open GFW file
Can't open the GFW file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open GFW files as well as a list of programs that support GFW files.
GFW file extension
| File Name |
GIF World Format |
| File Category |
GIS Files |
The GFW file is supported on 1 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the GFW files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the GFW file on each system platform.
What is GFW file?
The file in the GFW format belongs to the GIS Files category. Additionally, the GIS Files category contains 255 of other files. GIF World Format is supported by 1 operating systems. Although it can be found with greater or lesser success on any operating system, it will only be useful on Windows. The main program that supports this format is ArcGIS Desktop. This was created by Esri. Alternatively, you can use 1 other programs. You can use Text editor in case ArcGIS Desktop cannot be used.
How to open GFW file?
The most common problem when using GIF World Format is that a specific GFW is not associated with the program. This is manifested by the fact that GFW files open in unusual applications or do not have an assigned program. This problem can be easily remedied.
The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the GFW 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 ArcGIS Desktop
An often overlooked issue is to make sure that ArcGIS Desktop is installed on the computer. The easiest method is to use the system search engine by entering the program name ArcGIS Desktop in it. If it is not, installation may solve the problem, as most applications create file associations during installation. Below is a list of programs that support the file GFW.
Programs to open GFW file
Remember to download programs supporting GFW files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.
Step 2. Create association of ArcGIS Desktop with GFW files
If, despite the installed application, the GFW file does not start in the ArcGIS Desktop 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. 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 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. However, it is important to check the "Always use the selected program ..." box, this will allow you to permanently associate the GFW file with the ArcGIS Desktop application.
Step 3. Update ArcGIS Desktop to the latest version
If, despite the association of the ArcGIS Desktop program with the GIF World 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 Esri website or update the program from the application.
Step 4. Check for the following problems with the GFW 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:
Very often, the file may be size 0 or incomplete. Usually this applies to GFW files downloaded from the Internet in case the download did not finish properly. Downloading the file again should fix the problem.
The operating system may be infected with a computer virus. A virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should fix the problem. Alternatively, you can use the scanners available online. The scan should cover the entire computer, not only the GFW file that we want to open. However, remember that not every infected GFW file can be recovered, so it is important to take care of regular backups.
Older version of GFW 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 option of recovering data from damaged GFW files. You can restore the file from a backup or use N/A help.
When reading, a message appears that the file was encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted GFW 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. It is best to move GFW to a different directory.
This problem only occurs with more complex files. 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 GFW file while scanning. If this does not work either, restart the device.
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