I cannot open a MDI 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 MDI files, can be addressed in a standard way. Follow the steps below and we can guarantee that your problem with opening MDI will be resolved!
MDI File Extension
- File type Microsoft Document Imaging Format
- File developer Microsoft
- File category Layout Files
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File popularity rating
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What is a(n) MDI file?
MDI (Microsoft Document Imaging Format) is an image format created by Microsoft for storing documents. It is used to store a digitalized version of a physical document or other images such as photographs and scanned documents. MDI files are usually converted from TIFF files and can be opened using the MS Office Document Imaging application in Microsoft Office 2003 or later versions.
MDI files are commonly used for scanning documents and storing them in an editable format. They can be converted to other image formats such as PDF, JPEG, and PNG for further compression or higher resolution. MDI files are also used for sharing documents over the internet as they provide better security than other types of image formats.
How to open MDI file?
If given user account does not have necessary permissions to open files with MDI 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 MDI files
After the application has been installed, the system should automatically open MDI files with given application. Below is the list of relevant programs along with operating systems they are available for:
Programs that support MDI files
Step 2. Verify whether MDI files are associated with appropriate software
It is possible that an application that supports MDI files is not associated with such files. In such case, the program should by manually associated with MDI 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 MDI 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 MDI files with the selected program.
Changing MDI file association in registry
File association for MDI 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 MDI file for other errors
- MDI file was not copied properly from storage medium.
- Antivirus application prevents opening MDI files. In that case it is recommended to exercise extreme caution and recover or delete infected MDI file. It is also advised to scan the entire system for malicious software and viruses with antivirus software.
- For MDI 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.
