I cannot open a PSW 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 PSW files, can be addressed in a standard way. Follow the steps below and we can guarantee that your problem with opening PSW will be resolved!
PSW File Extension
- File type Pocket Word Document
- File developer Microsoft
- File category Text Files
-
File popularity rating
-
What is a(n) PSW file?
PSW (Pocket Word Document) is a Microsoft Word file format developed for use on PDAs running the Pocket PC operating system. It is based on the standard RTF (Rich Text Format) but has features especially designed for Pocket PC devices, including the ability to modify view modes as well as special form feature and menu items.
PSW files have a .psw file extension and are smaller in size than standard RTF files, making them ideal for storage on mobile devices with limited storage capacity. This file format is also compatible with the desktop versions of Word, meaning users can create and open PSW documents without additional software.
How to open PSW file?
If given user account does not have necessary permissions to open files with PSW 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 PSW files
After the application has been installed, the system should automatically open PSW files with given application. Below is the list of relevant programs along with operating systems they are available for:
Programs that support PSW files
Step 2. Verify whether PSW files are associated with appropriate software
It is possible that an application that supports PSW files is not associated with such files. In such case, the program should by manually associated with PSW 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 PSW 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 PSW files with the selected program.
Changing PSW file association in registry
File association for PSW 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 PSW file for other errors
- PSW file was not copied properly from storage medium.
- Antivirus application prevents opening PSW files. In that case it is recommended to exercise extreme caution and recover or delete infected PSW file. It is also advised to scan the entire system for malicious software and viruses with antivirus software.
- For PSW 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.
