CHW File Extension

What is CHW file?

CHW files store collections of HTML documents for Windows Help system.

What are the contents of CHW files?

Files with CHW extension contain Help document table of contents. Each Help document is formatted in HTML and saved as CHM file. Compiled CHM files form a CHW container that stores the complete documentation.

When CHW should be updated?

CHW should be updated each time a referenced document is modified. Table of contents should also be updated if Help entries are added or removed from the documentation. CHW thus must be updated every time a document included in CHW module is edited to prevent reference errors.

How large are typical CHW files?

Typical CHW are rather larger as they don’t use any compression by default. However, CHW files can be compressed using dedicated tools (such as KeyCHW) to save storage space if needed.

Programs which support CHW file extension

Below is a table that list programs that support CHW files. Files with CHW 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: 04/18/2022

How to open file with CHW extension?

Problems with accessing CHW may be due to various reasons. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to Compiled Help Index Format files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. The list below will guide you through the process of addressing the encountered problem.

Step 1. Get the FAR

Problems with opening and working with CHW files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with CHW files being present on your machine. The solution to this problem is very simple. Download FAR and install it on your device. 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 FAR website and download the installer.

Step 2. Check the version of FAR and update if needed

If you already have FAR installed on your systems and CHW files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. The reason that FAR cannot handle files with CHW may be that the software is outdated. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using FAR.

Step 3. Set the default application to open CHW files to FAR

After installing FAR (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open CHW files. The next step should pose no problems. The procedure is straightforward and largely system-independent

The procedure to change the default program in Windows

• Right-click the CHW file and choose Open with option
• Next, select the Choose another app option and then using More apps open the list of available applications
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where FAR is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open CHW files and clicking OK.

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with CHW extension, select Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• From the list choose the appropriate program and confirm by clicking Change for all....
• A message window should appear informing that This change will be applied to all files with CHW extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

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

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the CHW file in question. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

1. Verify that the CHW in question is not infected with a computer virus

If the CHW is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. Scan the CHW file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the scanner detected that the CHW file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

2. Verify that the CHW file’s structure is intact

If the CHW file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. If the CHW file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

3. Verify whether your account has administrative rights

Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Log in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run FAR

The operating systems may note enough free resources to run the application that support CHW files. Close all running programs and try opening the CHW file.

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

Latest versions of programs and drivers may help you solve problems with Compiled Help Index Format files and ensure security of your device and operating system. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with CHW files affecting older versions of given software.

Do you want to help?

If you have additional information about the CHW file, we will be grateful if you share it with our users. To do this, use the form here and send us your information on CHW file.