Tips to open MPP file

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

MPP file extension

File Name Microsoft Project Format
File Developer Microsoft
File Category Data Files

The MPP file is supported on 4 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the MPP files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the MPP file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 8
  • 3
  • 3
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is MPP file?

The .MPP file is a Microsoft Project project file. The current software no longer supports version 98 projects. In addition to Microsoft project, .MPP files can be opened by other software in this segment. Project items stored on the timeline and their relationships are saved in the file. The software offers project budgeting and assigning tasks to devices or employees. In this way it enables management and planning the next steps.

How to open MPP file?

The main problem with Microsoft Project Format is that the MPP file is incorrectly associated with programs. This is manifested by the fact that MPP files open in unusual applications or do not have an assigned program. How to solve such a problem?

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the MPP 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 RationalPlan

An often overlooked issue is to make sure that RationalPlan is installed on the computer. To do this, enter the name RationalPlan into the system search engine. In the absence of an appropriate program, its installation in the vast majority of cases will fix the problem. Below is a list of programs that support the file MPP.

Programs to open MPP file

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

Step 2. Create association of RationalPlan with MPP files

If the application is or has been freshly installed, but the MPP file still does not use the RationalPlan 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. Checking the "Always use the selected program ..." box will permanently associate the MPP file with the RationalPlan program.

Step 3. Update RationalPlan to the latest version

The fault may also lie with the RationalPlan program, it is possible that Microsoft Project Format requires a newer version of the program. In this case, use the Stand By Soft Ltd. website or update the program from the application.

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

If the above steps do not help, you can assume that the file itself is not correct. This could be due to the file itself, the cleanest issues are:

The affected file may be 0 KB or smaller than expected. This is most often caused by a problem while downloading the MPP file. The only repair option is to download the file again.
The most common cause here is computer viruses. Perform a virus scan using available and up-to-date anti-virus software. If this is not possible, you can use the online scanner. For the best results, we will scan the entire operating system, not just our MPP file. As a result of the scan, sometimes it is not possible to recover MPP files, which are deleted if there is a backup of this file, then after restoring it, it must also be scanned.
A typical compatibility error - the program does not support the older version of the MPP file. These problems are known and are often very easy to fix using the software developers's website.
The file may be corrupted in a number of ways. The repair method must be adapted to the type of file and damage. Some programs offer the ability to automatically repair MPP file corruption. You can restore the file from a backup or use Microsoft help.
When reading, a message appears that the file was encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted MPP 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 of the system directories are excluded from modification. The problem is only writing to the file, not reading it. Copying the MPP file to another location will fix the problem.
This problem only occurs with more complex files. In this case, the MPP file is blocked by the first application to open it. Running programs (including those in the background) should be verified. Sometimes it is necessary to wait a while before referencing the MPP file again. Some anti-virus or backup software may occupy the MPP file for a certain period of time. If nothing helps, please reset the device.