I cannot open a CHW file. What should I do? Help!
Virtually anyone has encountered some problems with opening unknown files while working on a computer. It can be very frustrating. Yet such problems, not only with CHW files, can be addressed in a standard way. Follow the steps below and we can guarantee that your problem with opening CHW will be resolved!
CHW File Extension
- File type Compiled Help Index Format
- File developer Microsoft
- File category Misc Files
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File popularity rating
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What is a(n) CHW file?
The CHW extension is used by index files created when combining multiple CHM files. CHW files contain a table of contents contained in these documents and links to them. They need to be updated with every change to the CHM files. CHW files are large in size, but can be compressed with e.g. KeyCHW.
How to open CHW file?
If given user account does not have necessary permissions to open files with CHW extension, it is highly probable that no program that supports given files is installed on the users’ system. Below is a list of actions user should pursue in order to resolve most common problems.
Step 1. Download and install application that supports CHW files
After the application has been installed, the system should automatically open CHW files with given application. Below is the list of relevant programs along with operating systems they are available for:
Programs that support CHW files
Step 2. Verify whether CHW files are associated with appropriate software
It is possible that an application that supports CHW files is not associated with such files. In such case, the program should by manually associated with CHW files (right-click on the file icon → Properties → General Tab → In submenu "Open with" and click on "Change" button. System will display a list of suggested programs that support CHW files. Choose the application by checking the box "Always use the selected application to open this kind of files". System will store this information in its registry and use it to open CHW files with the selected program.
Changing CHW file association in registry
File association for CHW files can be edited manually by editing appropriate entry in Windows System Registry. However, it is discouraged as it may introduce errors to registry if not done properly and may even damage the system.
Step 3. Check CHW file for other errors
- CHW file was not copied properly from storage medium.
- Antivirus application prevents opening CHW files. In that case it is recommended to exercise extreme caution and recover or delete infected CHW file. It is also advised to scan the entire system for malicious software and viruses with antivirus software.
- For CHW files downloaded from the internet it is advised to check if the file has been downloaded completely and is not corrupted. If not, the file should be re-downloaded.
