CGI Troubleshooting
Common Problems Opening CGI Files
Missing Microsoft Notepad
Double-clicking your CGI file prompts the message "%%os%% Can't Open CGI File". Customarily, this means that Microsoft Notepad is not installed on %%os%%. This will prevent you from double-clicking to open the CGI file because the OS doesn’t know how to handle it.
Tip: Another CGI-related program can be selected to open the file by clicking "Show Apps" and finding the application.
Incorrect Microsoft Notepad Version
In some cases, you might have a newer (or older) version of a Common Gateway Interface Script file that is unsupported by your installed application version. You will need to download a newer version of Microsoft Notepad if you don't have the right version. Your Common Gateway Interface Script file was probably created by a newer release of Microsoft Notepad than what's currently installed your computer.
Tip: If you right-click on your CGI file, then select "Properties" (Windows) or "Get Info" (Mac), you can obtain hints about what version you need.
Summary: In either case, the majority of problems opening CGI files are related to not having the correct software application installed on your computer.
Other Causes of CGI File Opening Problems
Errors opening Common Gateway Interface Script files can still occur even with the latest Microsoft Notepad software installed on your computer. There can be external issues inside of %%os%% that are causing these errors when opening CGIs. Additional factors include:
- Invalid CGI file references in the Windows Registry (the "phonebook" of the Windows Operating System)
- Corruption of the CGI file description inside the Registry
- Partial installation of Microsoft Notepad that did not fully complete
- Your CGI file is corrupted (issues with your Common Gateway Interface Script file itself)
- Past or present virus infection has affected your CGI
- Hardware associated with CGI has outdated drivers
- Windows has inadequate resources to open your Common Gateway Interface Script file
Quiz: Which of these is considered a vector image file?
That's Correct!
The unique thing about vector files such as AI and EPS is that graphic details (eg. sizes and shapes of objects) and text remains editable. This allows you can save and re-open them in Illustrator and edit text or other elements within the graphic.
Close, but not quite...
The unique thing about vector files such as AI and EPS is that graphic details (eg. sizes and shapes of objects) and text remains editable. This allows you can save and re-open them in Illustrator and edit text or other elements within the graphic.