ELM File Extension

What is ELM file?

ELM filename suffix is mostly used for Office Theme Format files. Office Theme Format specification was created by Microsoft. ELM files are supported by software applications available for devices running Windows. ELM file format, along with 1305 other file formats, belongs to the Settings Files category. Users are advised to use Microsoft Office software for managing ELM files, although 1 other programs can also handle this type of file. Microsoft Office software was developed by Microsoft Corporation, and on its official website you may find more information about ELM files or the Microsoft Office software program.

Programs which support ELM file extension

Programs that can handle ELM files are as follows. Files with ELM suffix can be copied to any mobile device or system platform, but it may not be possible to open them properly on target system.

How to open file with ELM extension?

Being unable to open files with ELM extension can be have various origins. What is important, all common issues related to files with ELM extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.

Step 1. Get the Microsoft Office

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports ELM files installed on the system. The most obvious solution is to download and install Microsoft Office or one to the listed programs: Microsoft FrontPage. On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. One of the most risk-free method of downloading software is using links provided by official distributors. Visit Microsoft Office website and download the installer.

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

If the problems with opening ELM files still occur even after installing Microsoft Office, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of Microsoft Office is available. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. If you have an older version of Microsoft Office installed, it may not support ELM format. 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 Office.

Step 3. Assign Microsoft Office to ELM files

After installing Microsoft Office (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open ELM files. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Clicking the ELM 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
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where Microsoft Office is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open ELM files and clicking OK.

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected ELM file open the file menu and choose Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• 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 ELM extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Check the ELM for 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 ELM file. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

1. Check the ELM file for viruses or malware

If the ELM is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. It is advised to scan the system for viruses and malware as soon as possible or use an online antivirus scanner. If the scanner detected that the ELM file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

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

If you obtained the problematic ELM 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. If the ELM file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

3. Verify whether your account has administrative 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 Office Theme Format file again.

4. Check whether your system can handle Microsoft Office

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with ELM extension. In this case close the other applications.

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

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

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