Tips to open MPT file

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

MPT file extension

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

The MPT file is supported on 3 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the MPT files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the MPT file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 2
  • 1
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is MPT file?

The .MPT file is a template file. It is used by Microsoft Project. A new .MPP project file is created from it. The template is usually generated on the basis of a partially completed project. The main goal is to break the project down into parts so that multiple separate departments can start their own project. You can also use a template to create many alternative designs and decide after presenting all the options. As a rule, a template cannot be edited, but can be overwritten.

How to open MPT file?

The most common problem when using Microsoft Project Template is that a specific MPT is not associated with the program. Thus, when you open MPT, 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 MPT 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 MOOS Project Viewer

An often overlooked issue is to make sure that MOOS Project Viewer is installed on the computer. This can be achieved by typing MOOS Project Viewer into the operating system search engine. 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 MPT files.

Step 2. Create association of MOOS Project Viewer with MPT files

If, despite the installed application, the MPT file does not start in the MOOS Project Viewer 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 MPT file with the MOOS Project Viewer application.

Step 3. Update MOOS Project Viewer to the latest version

If, however, after binding MOOS Project Viewer with Microsoft Project Template 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 STAND BY SOFT SRL page and install.

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

Of course, it may happen that despite the above steps, the file still does not work. This could be due to the file itself, the cleanest issues are:

The MPT file may be unusually small compared to the original file. Usually this applies to MPT 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 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 MPT file. Sometimes virus-infected MPT files cannot be recovered, so make a backup in advance.
A typical compatibility error - the program does not support the older version of the MPT 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. Repairing is very dependent on the file type. Some programs offer the ability to automatically repair MPT file corruption. The easiest way to restore the file is from a backup or by contacting Microsoft, but this one can be expensive. Not all damage can be reversed.
When reading, a message appears that the file was encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted MPT 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. These directories are write-protected to them and it's very hard to fix this problem. If possible, you can try to move the MPT file to another location.
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. Running programs (including those in the background) should be verified. If the error persists after closing other programs, wait for a while. However, some background programs may block the MPT file while scanning. If the problem persists, restart the machine.