CNT File Extension

What is CNT file?

CNT is a text file that stores information related to HLP help files. CNT files are used by Microsoft Help Workshop, a software tool for preparing help documents. Modern Windows systems uses HTML files to store help documents.

Help files today

CNT and HLP format were replaced by more modern and secure standards. CNT and HLP text files were used by WinHelp tool to display help documents. The formats were improved with time and even supported HTML formatting and scripts. Those improvements also introduced security vulnerabilities. Ultimately, Microsoft decided to replace CNT and HLP standard with HTML-based documents. Some help files use other file extensions. It is also possible to convert older help file to newer formats using tool distributed by Microsoft.

Programs which support CNT file extension

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

Updated: 03/23/2023

How to open file with CNT extension?

Being unable to open files with CNT extension can be have various origins. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to Help Contents 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. Download and install Microsoft HTML Help Workshop

Problems with opening and working with CNT files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with CNT files being present on your machine. The most obvious solution is to download and install Microsoft HTML Help Workshop or one to the listed programs: Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Windows Help, Adobe RoboHelp. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support CNT files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. The safest method of downloading Microsoft HTML Help Workshop installed is by going to developer’s website (Microsoft Corporation) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Update Microsoft HTML Help Workshop to the latest version

If the problems with opening CNT files still occur even after installing Microsoft HTML Help Workshop, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of Microsoft HTML Help Workshop is available. 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 CNT files are not compatible with Microsoft HTML Help Workshop. The most recent version of Microsoft HTML Help Workshop is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Set the default application to open CNT files to Microsoft HTML Help Workshop

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

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Clicking the CNT 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 HTML Help Workshop installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open CNT files box and clicking OK button.

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected CNT file open the file menu and choose Information
• Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
• Select the appropriate software and save your settings by clicking Change all
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with CNT extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Verify that the CNT is not faulty

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the CNT file in question. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.

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

Should it happed that the CNT is infected with a virus, this may be that cause that prevents you from accessing it. Scan the CNT file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. CNT file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

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

Did you receive the CNT file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. When downloading the file with CNT extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

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. Log in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.

4. Verify that your device fulfills the requirements to be able to open Microsoft HTML Help Workshop

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

5. Check if you have the latest updates to the operating system and drivers

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with Help Contents Format file. It may be the case that the CNT files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

Do you want to help?

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