Tips to open SLN file

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

SLN file extension

File Name Visual Studio Solution Format
File Developer Microsoft
File Category Developer Files

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

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

What is SLN file?

The .SLN file is a Microsoft Visual Studio development file. However, the word "project" is a bit of a distortion at the moment, as the walkthrough may consist of several related or not projects. User can define common rules and environment settings for subprojects. Some other environments may also use .SLN files. Project settings are stored explicitly in the file and can be read without difficulty. Visual Studio is primarily a development environment, but can also perform other tasks.

How to open SLN file?

The main problem with Visual Studio Solution Format is that the SLN file is incorrectly associated with programs. Thus, when you open SLN, 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 SLN 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 MonoDevelop

The first step is to check if the computer has the MonoDevelop program installed. To do this, enter the name MonoDevelop 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 SLN with MonoDevelop. Below is a list of programs that support the file SLN.

Step 2. Create association of MonoDevelop with SLN files

However, it may happen that the application itself does not cause the SLN file to open in the MonoDevelop application, but you can set it manually. 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. 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 SLN file with the MonoDevelop program.

Step 3. Update MonoDevelop to the latest version

If, however, after binding MonoDevelop with Visual Studio Solution Format there were still problems, you should update the program to the latest version. This can be done using the application (if it provides such options) or from the MonoDevelop website and install the latest version.

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

Of course, it may happen that despite the above steps, the file still does not work. The most common file problems are:

The SLN file may be unusually small compared to the original file. Usually this applies to SLN files downloaded from the Internet in case the download did not finish properly. Downloading the file again should fix the problem.
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. If this is not possible, you can use the online scanner. The scan should cover the entire computer, not only the SLN file that we want to open. However, remember that not every infected SLN 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 SLN file. These problems are known and are often very easy to fix using the software developers's website.
There can be many reasons for the failure. Repairing is very dependent on the file type. Some programs offer the option of recovering data from damaged SLN files. The easiest way is to restore the file from a backup, if there is one, or contact Microsoft
The program indicates that the file is encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted SLN 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. While there is usually no problem reading such a file, it may not be possible to save it. It is best to move SLN to a different directory.
This can happen on a file that does not support multiple access. Some file types can only be opened in one program at a time. Running programs (including those in the background) should be verified. Sometimes it is necessary to wait a while before referencing the SLN file again. However, some background programs may block the SLN file while scanning. If the problem persists, restart the machine.