I cannot open a DESIGN 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 DESIGN files, can be addressed in a standard way. Follow the steps below and we can guarantee that your problem with opening DESIGN will be resolved!

DESIGN File Extension

File
  • File type Microsoft Expression Design Drawing
  • File developer Microsoft
  • File category Vector Image Files
  • File popularity rating
    • Star
    • Star
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How to open DESIGN file?

If given user account does not have necessary permissions to open files with DESIGN 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 DESIGN files

After the application has been installed, the system should automatically open DESIGN files with given application. Below is the list of relevant programs along with operating systems they are available for:

Programs that support DESIGN files

Step 2. Verify whether DESIGN files are associated with appropriate software

It is possible that an application that supports DESIGN files is not associated with such files. In such case, the program should by manually associated with DESIGN files (right-click on the file icon → PropertiesGeneral Tab → In submenu "Open with" and click on "Change" button. System will display a list of suggested programs that support DESIGN 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 DESIGN files with the selected program.

Changing DESIGN file association in registry

File association for DESIGN 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 DESIGN file for other errors

  • DESIGN file was not copied properly from storage medium.
  • Antivirus application prevents opening DESIGN files. In that case it is recommended to exercise extreme caution and recover or delete infected DESIGN file. It is also advised to scan the entire system for malicious software and viruses with antivirus software.
  • For DESIGN 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.

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