RESW File Extension

What is RESW file?

RESW files belong to the category of configuration files. RESW files contain information used by Windows applications. This may include different language versions of menus, interface schemes, etc. RESW files store data that enables changing the appearance of software operating under Windows. These files exclusively contain strings and references to other types of resources (e.g., images).

Can I save RESW files?

Specialized software allows the extraction of interface text from ready applications and saving this data in RESW files. This enables translations and thus the creation of, for example, different language versions of applications. During the compilation process, files with the RESW extension are saved in binary form and receive the PRI extension.

Programs which support RESW file extension

The following listing features RESW-compatible programs. RESW files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

Updated: 02/27/2024

How to open file with RESW extension?

Problems with accessing RESW may be due to various reasons. Fortunately, most common problems with RESW files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. The list below will guide you through the process of addressing the encountered problem.

Step 1. Download and install Microsoft Visual Studio

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports RESW files installed on the system. This one is an easy one. Select Microsoft Visual Studio or one of the recommended programs (for example, Microsoft Windows 8) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. The safest method of downloading Microsoft Visual Studio installed is by going to developer’s website (Microsoft Corporation) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of Microsoft Visual Studio

If you already have Microsoft Visual Studio installed on your systems and RESW 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. This can be one of the causes why RESW files are not compatible with Microsoft Visual Studio. The latest version of Microsoft Visual Studio should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Assign Microsoft Visual Studio to RESW files

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate RESW files with latest version of Microsoft Visual Studio you have installed on your device. The next step should pose no problems. The procedure is straightforward and largely system-independent

Change the default application in Windows

• Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the RESW file
• 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 Visual Studio is installed, check the Always use this app to open RESW files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

Change the default application in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with RESW extension, select Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• Select Microsoft Visual Studio and click Change for all...
• Finally, a This change will be applied to all files with RESW extension message should pop-up. Click Continue button in order to confirm your choice.

Step 4. Verify that the RESW is not faulty

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the RESW file in question. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.

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

Should it happed that the RESW is infected with a virus, this may be that cause that prevents you from accessing it. Scan the RESW file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the scanner detected that the RESW file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

2. Ensure the file with RESW extension is complete and error-free

If the RESW file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. 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 RESW extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

3. Ensure that you have appropriate access rights

Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the Windows Resources Format file again.

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

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

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

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

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