ISM File Extension

What is ISM file?

ISM filename suffix is mostly used for InstallShield Project Format files. Flexera Software defined the InstallShield Project Format format standard. ISM files are supported by software applications available for devices running Windows. ISM file belongs to the Data Files category just like 1326 other filename extensions listed in our database. The software recommended for managing ISM files is InstallShield. Software named InstallShield was created by Flexera Software, Inc.. In order to find more detailed information on the software and ISM files, check the developer’s official website.

Programs which support ISM file extension

Programs that can handle ISM files are as follows. ISM 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 ISM extension?

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

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports ISM files installed on the system. The solution is straightforward, just download and install InstallShield. On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. If you want to download InstallShield installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit Flexera Software, Inc. website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Check the version of InstallShield and update if needed

If you already have InstallShield installed on your systems and ISM files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. This can be one of the causes why ISM files are not compatible with InstallShield. The most recent version of InstallShield is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Associate InstallShield Project Format files with InstallShield

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate ISM files with latest version of InstallShield 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 ISM 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 InstallShield installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open ISM files box and clicking OK button.

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected ISM file open the file menu and choose Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• Select InstallShield and click Change for all...
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with ISM extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

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

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

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the ISM file hinders attempts to open it. It is advised to scan the system for viruses and malware as soon as possible or use an online antivirus scanner. If the ISM file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

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

If the ISM file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. It could happen the the download process of file with ISM extension was interrupted and the file data is defective. Download the file again from the same source.

3. Check if the user that you are logged as has administrative privileges.

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Log in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run InstallShield

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

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

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

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