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How to open CNT files? 4 simple methods of solving such problems

When you encounter a problem with an unknown CNT file and you do not know how to open such file, the first step you should take is to determine the cause of given problem. We will show you how to address most common problems with CNT files and how to solve them in 4 simple steps.

  1. 1. CNT File Extension
  2. 2. What is a(n) CNT file?
  3. 3. How to open CNT file?
    1. 3.1 Verify whether the file is properly associated with selected software
    2. 3.2 Install a program that supports CNT files
      1. 3.2.1 Programs that support files with CNT extension
    3. 3.3 Check for other possible causes of errors
    4. 3.4 Contact an expert
  4. 4. Similar file extensions

CNT File Extension

File
  • File type Help Contents Format
  • File developer Microsoft
  • File category System Files
  • File popularity rating
    • Star
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Preview

What is a(n) CNT file?

CNT (Help Contents Format) is a file format used to store information for Microsoft Windows Help Files. It contains structured data that is arranged into topics and topics sub-branches. CNT files can include text, images, hyperlinks and document navigation information. CNT files are generated together with GID (Help Index File) files that provide indexing information, allowing a user to quickly search for content in a help file.

CNT files are binary in nature, requiring specialized programs to view their content. In order to edit or modify a CNT file, it must be converted to a printable format such as HTML or RTF. CNT files can also be opened directly on Windows2000 and later versions of Windows using the Windows Help Workshop application.

Open

How to open CNT file?

In some cases problems may occur when trying to open CNT files. Steps listed below can be helpful in addressing such problems.

Step 1 – Verify whether the file is properly associated with selected software

The first thing user should do is to associate application with CNT files. It may happen so that even when an application that supports CNT files is installed on the system it is not properly associated with this file format. This can be easily remedied by associating program with CNT files. In order to associate such files with given application, user must open the file menu (by right-clicking on the file) and choosing "Open with". A list of suggested applications will be displayed at the top part of menu. Next, select an application and confirm your choice by checking "Always use the selected application to open this kind of files" option. Confirm your selection by clicking OK.

In order to open CNT file, focus on steps 1 and 2

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In majority of cases following instruction in step 1 and 2 should be enough to open files with CNT extension. Before attempting the next steps, test all the programs listed below.

Step 2 – Install a program that supports CNT files

Should it happen that the section with suggested programs is empty, it is most probable that no program supporting CNT files is installed on the system. Choose a program from the following list and install it:

Programs that support files with CNT extension

Windows programs
Windows

Step 3 – Check for other possible causes of errors

  • Corrupted storage medium on which the CNT file is stored
  • File data corruption or incompleteness (for example, due to incomplete download or copy process). In such case the file must be re-downloaded or properly copied and then opened again.
  • Compatibility issues – check whether CNT extension is compatible with user’s operating system
  • Administrative policy settings may prevent user from opening given file

Step 4 – Contact an expert

If you are still unable to open CNT file, you should contact an IT expert. You could also try to contact the developer of given software that supports CNT files. Appropriate website addresses can be found by clicking the name of given program in the list above.

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