ASHX File Extension

What is ASHX file?

The ASHX format is used by the files of the ASP.NET Web Handler program. ASHX file is actually a webpage, which as a part, and is being processed by a server of the previously mentioned program.

Additional information on ASHX files

Commands within an ASHX file are written in the C# programming language. The volume of code written within such files is often relatively small.

ASHX files may appear randomly, while attempting to download a file from a website. It occurs as a result of a situation, in which a function within ASHX refers to a given file, in order to pass it to a browser, in order to download it, but does not perform this action in a proper way, adding the ASHX extension instead of the extension of the target file. Therefore, it often happens, that it possible download a PDF file, or a file with music or image.

How to open file downloaded in such way?

You may use a certain trick, in order to display content of such file, downloaded improperly. If this was a PDF document, simply change the extension of the downloaded file, form ASXH into PDF, and try to open it with any application for PDF browsing. Use the same method in case of other types of files – changing the extension into the proper one. Next, try to open such files with program that supports the given format you have just applied.

Programs which support ASHX file extension

Below you will find an index of software programs that can be used to open ASHX files divided into 2 categories according to system platform supported. Files with ASHX suffix can be copied to any mobile device or system platform, but it may not be possible to open them properly on target system.

Updated: 12/11/2019

How to open file with ASHX extension?

Being unable to open files with ASHX extension can be have various origins. What is important, all common issues related to files with ASHX extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with ASHX files.

Step 1. Download and install Microsoft Visual Studio

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening ASHX files is that no program that can handle ASHX files is installed on user’s system. The most obvious solution is to download and install Microsoft Visual Studio or one to the listed programs: Text editor, Web browser, ASP.NET. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. One of the most risk-free method of downloading software is using links provided by official distributors. Visit Microsoft Visual Studio website and download the installer.

Step 2. Check the version of Microsoft Visual Studio and update if needed

If you already have Microsoft Visual Studio installed on your systems and ASHX files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. This can be one of the causes why ASHX files are not compatible with Microsoft Visual Studio. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using Microsoft Visual Studio.

Step 3. Set the default application to open ASHX files to Microsoft Visual Studio

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate ASHX files with latest version of Microsoft Visual Studio you have installed on your device. The next step should pose no problems. The procedure is straightforward and largely system-independent

Change the default application in Windows

• Right-click the ASHX file and choose Open with option
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• To finalize the process, select Look for another app on this PC entry and using the file explorer select the Microsoft Visual Studio installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open ASHX files box and clicking OK button.

Change the default application in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with ASHX extension, select Information
• Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
• Select Microsoft Visual Studio and click Change for all...
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with ASHX extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Ensure that the ASHX file is complete and free of errors

You closely followed the steps listed in points 1-3, but the problem is still present? You should check whether the file is a proper ASHX file. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

1. Check the ASHX file for viruses or malware

If the ASHX is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. If the scanner detected that the ASHX file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

Did you receive the ASHX file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. It is possible that the file has not been properly copied to a data storage and is incomplete and therefore cannot be opened. When downloading the file with ASHX extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

3. Verify whether your account has administrative rights

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Log in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run Microsoft Visual Studio

If the systems has insufficient resources to open ASHX files, try closing all currently running applications and try again.

5. Verify that your operating system and drivers are up to date

Regularly updated system, drivers, and programs keep your computer secure. This may also prevent problems with ASP.NET Web Handler Format files. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle ASHX files.

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