HTM File Extension

What is HTM file?

HTM file contains markup code in Hypertext Markup Language format, and shares many similarities with HTML. This is a standard document file used for creating static web sites. HTM stores markup code used to display images and text. This format is very popular among website designers and developers.

HTM vs. HTML

Despite many differences, HTM and HTML file extensions are identical in regard to stored data, and are used for the same purposes. HTML files are more popular for the reason that HTM format is used mainly for assuring compatibility with legacy oprating systems (DOS, Windows 3.x and OS/2.), which recognize 8-character long file names with 3-character long extension names. HTML document can be stored using either of the formats.

HTM file capabilities

HTM file stores content in plan text format, which enables users to easily modify the data using any standard text editor. HTM files can hold complete website project structure. HTM file, beside s text, can store links/references to image files, audio files, video files and references to scripts created with some other programming language.

Programs which support HTM file extension

Below you will find an index of software programs that can be used to open HTM files divided into 4 categories according to system platform supported. Files with HTM 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: 04/08/2022

How to open file with HTM extension?

Being unable to open files with HTM extension can be have various origins. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to Hypertext Markup Language Format files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.

Step 1. Get the Microsoft Internet Explorer

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening HTM files is that no program that can handle HTM files is installed on user’s system. The most obvious solution is to download and install Microsoft Internet Explorer or one to the listed programs: Adobe Dreamweaver, Windows Notepad, Microsoft Visual Studio. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. 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. Verify the you have the latest version of Microsoft Internet Explorer

If the problems with opening HTM files still occur even after installing Microsoft Internet Explorer, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of Microsoft Internet Explorer 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 Internet Explorer installed, it may not support HTM 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. Assign Microsoft Internet Explorer to HTM files

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate HTM files with latest version of Microsoft Internet Explorer you have installed on your device. 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 HTM file and choose 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 Internet Explorer installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open HTM files box and clicking OK button.

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• Right-click the HTM file and select Information
• Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
• Select Microsoft Internet Explorer and click Change for all...
• Finally, a This change will be applied to all files with HTM extension message should pop-up. Click Continue button in order to confirm your choice.

Step 4. Ensure that the HTM 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 HTM file in question. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.

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

Should it happed that the HTM is infected with a virus, this may be that cause that prevents you from accessing it. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. HTM 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 HTM file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. It is possible that the file has not been properly copied to a data storage and is incomplete and therefore cannot be opened. When downloading the file with HTM extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

3. Verify whether your account has administrative rights

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the Hypertext Markup Language Format file again.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run Microsoft Internet Explorer

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

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

Regularly updated system, drivers, and programs keep your computer secure. This may also prevent problems with Hypertext Markup Language Format files. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with HTM files affecting older versions of given software.

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