HTA File Extension

What is HTA file?

HTA is a type of HTML document file. HTA files store executable code that can be run from an HTML document. HTA, in contrast to HTML files, is not executed by web browsers, but on the server side. HTA format was introduced along with HTML version 5. Most web browsers support this format.

Potential risks.

Using HTA files from unknown sources carries many risks. Although operating systems and antivirus tools employ various techniques to mitigate those risks, many attacks are conducted purely due to user irresponsibility. Many computer viruses and malware use HTA to change entries in the system register to allow unwanted users to log in to the system or open the way for other malware to infect the system.

Programs which support HTA file extension

The list that follows enumerates programs compatible with HTA files, divided into 2 categories based on operating system on which they are available. Files with HTA extension, just like any other file formats, can be found on any operating system. The files in question may be transferred to other devices, be it mobile or stationary, yet not all systems may be capable of properly handling such files.

Updated: 06/12/2023

How to open file with HTA extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening HTA files on given system. What is important, all common issues related to files with HTA 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 HTA files.

Step 1. Install Microsoft Internet Explorer software

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening HTA files is that no program that can handle HTA files is installed on user’s system. This issue can be addressed by downloading and installing Microsoft Internet Explorer or different compatible program, such as Microsoft Windows, Microsoft HTML Application Host, Adobe ExtendScript. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support HTA files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. If you want to download Microsoft Internet Explorer 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 Internet Explorer and update if needed

If you already have Microsoft Internet Explorer installed on your systems and HTA 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. If you have an older version of Microsoft Internet Explorer installed, it may not support HTA format. The most recent version of Microsoft Internet Explorer is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Set the default application to open HTA files to Microsoft Internet Explorer

If you have the latest version of Microsoft Internet Explorer installed and the problem persists, select it as the default program to be used to manage HTA on your device. The process of associating file formats with default application may differ in details depending on platform, but the basic procedure is very similar.

The procedure to change the default program in Windows

• Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the HTA file
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where Microsoft Internet Explorer is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open HTA files and clicking OK.

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected HTA file open the file menu and choose Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• Select Microsoft Internet Explorer and click Change for all...
• A message window should appear informing that This change will be applied to all files with HTA extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

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

1. The HTA may be infected with malware – make sure to scan it with an antivirus tool.

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the HTA file hinders attempts to open it. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. HTA file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

Did you receive the HTA file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. During the copy process of the file errors may occurred rendering the file incomplete or corrupted. This could be the source of encountered problems with the file. If the HTA 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 HTML Application file again.

4. Check whether your system can handle Microsoft Internet Explorer

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

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

Regularly updated system, drivers, and programs keep your computer secure. This may also prevent problems with HTML Application files. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle HTA files.

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