Tips to open MSHXML file

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

MSHXML file extension

File Name Microsoft XML Typedata
File Developer Microsoft Corporation
File Category Misc Files

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

Operating systems
  • 3
  • 1
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is MSHXML file?

The MSHXML file has been categorized as Misc Files. It was designed by Microsoft Corporation. Additionally, the Misc Files category contains 6033 of other files. Microsoft XML Typedata appears on 3 operating systems as a functional file. The file will work on Linux, Mac OS, Windows systems, unfortunately not on others. The main program that supports this format is Windows Notepad. This was created by Microsoft Corporation. Alternatively, you can use 4 other programs. TextEdit, gedit, NotePad++ text editor, Microsoft .NET Micro Framework SDK Version 3.0 will apply when it is not possible to use Windows Notepad.

How to open MSHXML file?

The most common problem when using Microsoft XML Typedata is that a specific MSHXML is not associated with the program. This causes the file MSHXML to open by system applications not designed for this purpose, or to display a message that there is no associated program. This can be quickly resolved by following the instructions below.

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the MSHXML 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 Windows Notepad

In this case, you should first verify that the Windows Notepad application is installed on the computer. To do this, enter the name Windows Notepad 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 you will find a list of applications that support MSHXML files.

Step 2. Create association of Windows Notepad with MSHXML files

If, despite the installed application, the MSHXML file does not start in the Windows Notepad application, you must create a file association. It is most convenient to call the context menu with the right mouse button and select Properties. Information about the file and the program that the file is associated with are available here. Using the "Change" button we can select the desired program. 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 Windows Notepad application as the default for handling the MSHXML file.

Step 3. Update Windows Notepad to the latest version

If, despite the association of the Windows Notepad program with the Microsoft XML Typedata file, the file still does not open, check the program version and possibly update it to the newest version. This can be done using the application (if it provides such options) or from the Microsoft Corporation website and install the latest version.

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

The problem may also be with the file itself if the above steps don't work. File problems can be divided into the following:

The MSHXML file may be unusually small compared to the original file. Usually this applies to MSHXML files downloaded from the Internet in case the download did not finish properly. Downloading the file again should fix the problem.
The most common cause here is computer viruses. A virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should fix the problem. Alternatively, you can use the scanners available online. For the best results, we will scan the entire operating system, not just our MSHXML file. However, remember that not every infected MSHXML file can be recovered, so it is important to take care of regular backups.
Older version of MSHXML 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.
There can be many reasons for this. Repairing is very dependent on the file type. Some programs offer the option of recovering data from damaged MSHXML files. The easiest way to restore the file is from a backup or by contacting Microsoft Corporation, but this one can be expensive. Not all damage can be reversed.
The program can also signal the fact of encryption. The encrypted MSHXML 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.
The operating system protects files in some locations (e.g. the root of the system partition) against unauthorized access. While there is usually no problem reading such a file, it may not be possible to save it. It is best to move MSHXML to a different directory.
This problem usually affects 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 MSHXML file again. Antivirus programs or a backup being made may lock the file for a while without the user's knowledge. If this does not work either, restart the device.