MSW File Extension

What is MSW file?

MSW is a file extension commonly associated with Microsoft Word 5 Document Format files. Microsoft Word 5 Document Format format was developed by Microsoft. MSW files are supported by software applications available for devices running Windows. Files with MSW extension are categorized as Text Files files. The Text Files subset comprises 440 various file formats. Users are advised to use Microsoft Word software for managing MSW files, although 1 other programs can also handle this type of file. On the official website of Microsoft Corporation developer not only will you find detailed information about theMicrosoft Word software, but also about MSW and other supported file formats.

Programs which support MSW file extension

The following listing features MSW-compatible programs. MSW 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 MSW extension?

Being unable to open files with MSW extension can be have various origins. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to Microsoft Word 5 Document 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. Install Microsoft Word software

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports MSW files installed on the system. This one is an easy one. Select Microsoft Word or one of the recommended programs (for example, Microsoft Office) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. If you want to download Microsoft Word installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit Microsoft Corporation website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Update Microsoft Word to the latest version

If the problems with opening MSW files still occur even after installing Microsoft Word, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of Microsoft Word 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 MSW files are not compatible with Microsoft Word. 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 Word.

Step 3. Associate Microsoft Word 5 Document Format files with Microsoft Word

After installing Microsoft Word (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open MSW files. 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

• Clicking the MSW 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
• Finally select Look for another app on this PC, point to the folder where Microsoft Word is installed, check the Always use this app to open MSW files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• Right-click the MSW file and select Information
• Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
• Select Microsoft Word and click Change for all...
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with MSW extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Verify that the MSW is not faulty

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the MSW file is valid. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

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

If the MSW is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. Scan the MSW file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the MSW file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

If you obtained the problematic MSW 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. It could happen the the download process of file with MSW 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.

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 Microsoft Word 5 Document Format file again.

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

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

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 Microsoft Word 5 Document Format files. It may be the case that the MSW files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

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