WRI File Extension

What is WRI file?

WRI is a text document file used text editor Microsoft Write. WRI files can store such elements page layout and formatting, styles, images, and other information used by the documents. WRI format is largely obsolete – many currently available document formats are more popular.

Additional information

WRI files were used by Microsoft Write as a part of Windows versions 1.0 to 3.1, which later was replaced by NotePad. Nowadays, WRI are very seldom used, and Microsoft ceased further support of the format.

Programs which support WRI file extension

The list that follows enumerates programs compatible with WRI files, divided into 2 categories based on operating system on which they are available. WRI files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

Updated: 01/23/2020

How to open file with WRI extension?

Being unable to open files with WRI extension can be have various origins. Fortunately, most common problems with WRI files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with WRI files.

Step 1. Install Microsoft Word software

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports WRI files installed on the system. This one is an easy one. Select Microsoft Word or one of the recommended programs (for example, Microsoft Works, WordPerfect Office, WordPad) 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. 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. Check the version of Microsoft Word and update if needed

You still cannot access WRI files although Microsoft Word is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. The reason that Microsoft Word cannot handle files with WRI may be that the software is outdated. 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. Set the default application to open WRI files to Microsoft Word

If you have the latest version of Microsoft Word installed and the problem persists, select it as the default program to be used to manage WRI 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.

Change the default application in Windows

• Right-click the WRI file and choose Open with option
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• To finalize the process, select Look for another app on this PC entry and using the file explorer select the Microsoft Word installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open WRI files box and clicking OK button.

Change the default application in Mac OS

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

Step 4. Verify that the WRI is not faulty

You closely followed the steps listed in points 1-3, but the problem is still present? You should check whether the file is a proper WRI file. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

1. The WRI 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 WRI file hinders attempts to open it. Scan the WRI file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the WRI file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

Did you receive the WRI 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 WRI 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. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the Windows Write Document file.

4. Check whether your system can handle Microsoft Word

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

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

Latest versions of programs and drivers may help you solve problems with Windows Write Document files and ensure security of your device and operating system. It may be the case that the WRI files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

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