Tips to open MSHI file
Can't open the MSHI file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open MSHI files as well as a list of programs that support MSHI files.
MSHI file extension
| File Name |
Microsoft Help Index Format |
| File Developer |
Microsoft |
| File Category |
Developer Files |
The MSHI file is supported on 1 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the MSHI files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the MSHI file on each system platform.
What is MSHI file?
The file in the MSHI format belongs to the Developer Files category. The creator of this file is Microsoft. Additionally, the Developer Files category contains 1205 of other files. Microsoft Help Index Format is most often found on 1 operating systems. Although it can be found with greater or lesser success on any operating system, it will only be useful on Windows. There are also 2 alternative programs to handle the MSHI file. Microsoft Windows Help, Microsoft Visual Studio will apply when it is not possible to use FAR.
How to open MSHI file?
The main problem with Microsoft Help Index Format is that the MSHI file is incorrectly associated with programs. This is manifested by the fact that MSHI files open in unusual applications or do not have an assigned program. This can be quickly resolved by following the instructions below.
The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the MSHI 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 FAR
An often overlooked issue is to make sure that FAR is installed on the computer. This can be achieved by typing FAR into the operating system search engine. If it is not, installation may solve the problem, as most applications create file associations during installation. Below you will find a list of applications that support MSHI files.
Programs to open MSHI file
Remember to download programs supporting MSHI files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.
Step 2. Create association of FAR with MSHI files
However, it may happen that the application itself does not cause the MSHI file to open in the FAR application, but you can set it manually. The association can be created using the drop-down list available by right-clicking on the file and selecting Properties. Information about the file and the program that the file is associated with are available here. Changes can be made using the "Change" button. 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 MSHI file with the FAR program.
Step 3. Update FAR to the latest version
If, despite the association of the FAR program with the Microsoft Help Index Format file, the file still does not open, check the program version and possibly update it to the newest version.
Step 4. Check for the following problems with the MSHI 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:
The MSHI file may be unusually small compared to the original file. This is most often caused by a problem while downloading the MSHI file. The only repair option is to download the file again.
The computer may have fallen victim to a computer virus or hacker. A quick virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should clear up any doubts. Some antivirus vendors also provide free online scanners. For the best results, we will scan the entire operating system, not just our MSHI file. However, remember that not every infected MSHI 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 MSHI 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. Repairing is very dependent on the file type. Some programs offer the option of recovering data from damaged MSHI files.
When reading, a message appears that the file was encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted MSHI 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. If possible, you can try to move the MSHI file to another location.
This problem only occurs with more complex files. Some file types can only be opened in one program at a time. Closing other programs should help. Sometimes it is necessary to wait a while before referencing the MSHI file again. Antivirus programs or a backup being made may lock the file for a while without the user's knowledge. If nothing helps, please reset the device.
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