Tips to open VIMRC file

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

VIMRC file extension

File Name Vim Runtime Configuration Format
File Category Settings Files

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

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

What is VIMRC file?

The file with the extension VIMRC is the Settings Files file type. In addition to this file, the Settings Files category includes 1305 related files. Vim Runtime Configuration Format is supported by 3 operating systems. The file will work on Linux, Mac OS, Windows systems, unfortunately not on others. This file type can also be opened by 3 other programs. gVim, Vim will apply when it is not possible to use MacVim.

How to open VIMRC file?

The most common problem when using Vim Runtime Configuration Format is that a specific VIMRC is not associated with the program. This is manifested by the fact that VIMRC 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 VIMRC 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 MacVim

The first step is to check if the computer has the MacVim program installed. The easiest method is to use the system search engine by entering the program name MacVim in it. If we do not have this program, it is worth installing it, as it will help you automatically associate the file VIMRC with MacVim. Below is a list of programs that support the file VIMRC.

Programs to open VIMRC file

Remember to download programs supporting VIMRC files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.

gVim
gVim
Vim
Vim
MacVim
MacVim
Vim
Vim
Step 2. Create association of MacVim with VIMRC files

If the application is or has been freshly installed, but the VIMRC file still does not use the MacVim program, it means no association. It is most convenient to call the context menu with the right mouse button and select Properties. 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 set the program to handle this type. If there is no software on the list, simply select "Browse" and manually select the directory where the application is installed. Checking the "Always use the selected program ..." box will permanently associate the VIMRC file with the MacVim program.

Step 3. Update MacVim to the latest version

The fault may also lie with the MacVim program, it is possible that Vim Runtime Configuration Format requires a newer version of the program.

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

The problem may also be with the file itself if the above steps don't work. The most common file problems are:

The affected file may be 0 KB or smaller than expected. This is most often caused by a problem while downloading the VIMRC file. Downloading the file again should fix the problem.
The operating system may be infected with a computer virus. Perform a virus scan using available and up-to-date anti-virus software. If this is not possible, you can use the online scanner. However, it is important to scan the entire system, not only the file VIMRC or the program directory. However, remember that not every infected VIMRC file can be recovered, so it is important to take care of regular backups.
This can happen especially when the program is dynamically developed and the structure of the VIMRC files changes over time. 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 the failure. Depending on the type of file, it is necessary to repair it accordingly. Some programs offer the ability to automatically repair VIMRC file corruption.
The program can also signal the fact of encryption. The encrypted file VIMRC except for the special designation, works normally, but only on the device where it was encrypted, before transferring it to another machine, decryption is required.
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. Copying the VIMRC file to another location will fix the problem.
This problem usually affects more complex files. In this case, the VIMRC file is blocked by the first application to open it. Just close unnecessary programs. Sometimes you have to wait for the session to the file VIMRC to close. However, some background programs may block the VIMRC file while scanning. If nothing helps, please reset the device.