CLW File Extension

What is CLW file?

Full format name of files that use CLW extension is Visual C++ ClassWizard Format. Visual C++ ClassWizard Format format was developed by Microsoft. Files with CLW extension may be used by programs distributed for Windows platform. CLW file format, along with 1205 other file formats, belongs to the Developer Files category. Users are advised to use Microsoft Visual Studio software for managing CLW files, although 1 other programs can also handle this type of file. Microsoft Visual Studio software was developed by Microsoft Corporation, and on its official website you may find more information about CLW files or the Microsoft Visual Studio software program.

Programs which support CLW file extension

The following listing features CLW-compatible programs. CLW files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

How to open file with CLW extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening CLW files on given system. Fortunately, most common problems with CLW files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. The list below will guide you through the process of addressing the encountered problem.

Step 1. Get the Microsoft Visual Studio

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening CLW files is that no program that can handle CLW files is installed on user’s system. This one is an easy one. Select Microsoft Visual Studio or one of the recommended programs (for example, Visual C++) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. If you want to download Microsoft Visual Studio installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit Microsoft Corporation website and download from their official repositories.

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

If the problems with opening CLW files still occur even after installing Microsoft Visual Studio, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of Microsoft Visual Studio is available. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. The reason that Microsoft Visual Studio cannot handle files with CLW 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 Microsoft Visual Studio.

Step 3. Assign Microsoft Visual Studio to CLW files

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate CLW 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

• Clicking the CLW with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
• Next, select the Choose another app option and then using More apps open the list of available applications
• 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 CLW files box and clicking OK button.

Change the default application in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected CLW file open the file menu and choose Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• 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 CLW extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Ensure that the CLW 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 CLW file. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

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

If the CLW is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. Scan the CLW file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the CLW file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Ensure the file with CLW extension is complete and error-free

If you obtained the problematic CLW file from a third party, ask them to supply you with another copy. It is possible that the file has not been properly copied to a data storage and is incomplete and therefore cannot be opened. It could happen the the download process of file with CLW extension was interrupted and the file data is defective. Download the file again from the same source.

3. Ensure that you have appropriate access rights

There is a possibility that the file in question can only be accessed by users with sufficient system privileges. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the Visual C++ ClassWizard Format file again.

4. Check whether your system can handle Microsoft Visual Studio

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

5. Ensure that you have the latest drivers and system updates and patches installed

Latest versions of programs and drivers may help you solve problems with Visual C++ ClassWizard Format files and ensure security of your device and operating system. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle CLW files.

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