Tips to open RELS file

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

RELS file extension

File Name Open Office XML Relationships Format
File Developer Microsoft
File Category Layout Files

The RELS file is supported on 2 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the RELS files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the RELS file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 4
  • 3
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is RELS file?

The RELS file has been categorized as Layout Files. The creator of this file is Microsoft. Layout Files consists of 137 similar files. Open Office XML Relationships Format is supported by 2 operating systems. The file will work on Mac OS, Windows systems, unfortunately not on others. The main program that supports this format is Microsoft Word. This was created by Microsoft Corporation. Alternatively, you can use 6 other programs. You can use Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint in case Microsoft Word cannot be used.

How to open RELS file?

An often recurring problem with Open Office XML Relationships Format is that RELS is not associated with the correct program file. This causes the file RELS 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 RELS 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 Microsoft Word

The first step is to check if the computer has the Microsoft Word program installed. To do this, enter the name Microsoft Word into the system search engine. If we do not have this program, it is worth installing it, as it will help you automatically associate the file RELS with Microsoft Word. Below you will find a list of applications that support RELS files.

Step 2. Create association of Microsoft Word with RELS files

If the application is or has been freshly installed, but the RELS file still does not use the Microsoft Word program, it means no 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 Microsoft Word application as the default for handling the RELS file.

Step 3. Update Microsoft Word to the latest version

The fault may also lie with the Microsoft Word program, it is possible that Open Office XML Relationships Format requires a newer version of the program. Some applications allow you to update from the program level, and for others you need to download the installer from the Microsoft Corporation page and install.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the RELS 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:

Very often, the file may be size 0 or incomplete. This is most often caused by a problem while downloading the RELS file. The file should be downloaded again, making sure that the process has finished correctly.
The operating system may be infected with a computer virus. A quick virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should clear up any doubts. Alternatively, you can use the scanners available online. For the best results, we will scan the entire operating system, not just our RELS file. Sometimes virus-infected RELS files cannot be recovered, so make a backup in advance.
Older version of RELS file may not always be supported by the latest software version. 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. Depending on the type of file, it is necessary to repair it accordingly. Sometimes the program itself has options to repair the most popular RELS 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 RELS 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 of the system directories are excluded from modification. While there is usually no problem reading such a file, it may not be possible to save it. It is best to move RELS to a different directory.
This problem usually affects more complex files. Some file types can only be opened in one program at a time. Just close unnecessary programs. If the error persists after closing other programs, wait for a while. Some anti-virus or backup software may occupy the RELS file for a certain period of time. If nothing helps, please reset the device.