Tips to open XSN file

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

XSN file extension

File Name InfoPath Form Template Format
File Developer Microsoft
File Category Layout Files

The XSN file is supported on 1 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the XSN files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the XSN file on each system platform.

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

What is XSN file?

The file in the XSN format belongs to the Layout Files category. The creator of this file is Microsoft. Layout Files consists of 137 similar files. InfoPath Form Template 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. The InfoPath application is recommended to open the file. It was released by Microsoft Corporation. There are also 1 alternative programs to handle the XSN file. Microsoft Office will apply when it is not possible to use InfoPath.

How to open XSN file?

The most common problem when using InfoPath Form Template Format is that a specific XSN is not associated with the program. This is manifested by the fact that XSN files open in unusual applications or do not have an assigned program. This problem can be easily remedied.

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the XSN 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 InfoPath

An often overlooked issue is to make sure that InfoPath is installed on the computer. To do this, enter the name InfoPath 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 XSN with InfoPath. Below is a list of programs that support the file XSN.

Programs to open XSN file

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

Step 2. Create association of InfoPath with XSN files

However, it may happen that the application itself does not cause the XSN file to open in the InfoPath application, but you can set it manually. This option is available from the level of Properties of a specific file available in the context menu. Information about the file and the program that the file is associated with are available here. Using the "Change" button we can set the program to handle this type. 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 XSN file with the InfoPath program.

Step 3. Update InfoPath to the latest version

The fault may also lie with the InfoPath program, it is possible that InfoPath Form Template Format requires a newer version of the program. 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 XSN file

Of course, it may happen that despite the above steps, the file still does not work. File problems can be divided into the following:

Very often, the file may be size 0 or incomplete. Usually this applies to XSN 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 quick virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should clear up any doubts. Alternatively, you can use the scanners available online. The scan should cover the entire computer, not only the XSN file that we want to open. However, remember that not every infected XSN 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 XSN file. Help should be sought from the software developer, as they usually recommend using free file converters or installing an older version of the program.
There can be many reasons for the failure. Repairing is very dependent on the file type. Sometimes the program itself has options to repair the most popular XSN file corruption. You can restore the file from a backup or use Microsoft help.
The program indicates that the file is encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted XSN 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. Copying the XSN file to another location will fix the problem.
This can happen on a file that does not support multiple access. You may find that another program you are using is preventing you from working with the file. Just close unnecessary programs. If the error persists after closing other programs, wait for a while. However, some background programs may block the XSN file while scanning. If the problem persists, restart the machine.