Kinds of ISM Files

Primary ISM File Association

.ISM

Formatting:	.ism
Category:	IIS Smooth Streaming Manifest File

ISH files are used by Microsoft's IIS web server's smooth streaming extension. Using XML formatting and comprises track info and bit rate for Video (.ISMV) and Audio (.ISMA) files presented for streaming on the web server saved as the multimedia files in the same directory in the server. This is useful for determining the quality of streaming as it allows the server to determine which bit rates plot to which multimedia files.

Created by:	Microsoft Corporation
Group:	Video Files
Location:	HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.ism

Software Programs That Open The IIS Smooth Streaming Manifest File:

Microsoft IIS by Microsoft Corporation

Windows

Secondary ISM Associations

.ISM

Formatting:	.ism
Category:	InstallShield Project

ISM files are project files produced by a program called InstallShield. This program is used to produce windows installers. It comprises all project codes and settings as well as custom scripts, file names, and settings of dialog installer which are used to form the installation package. ISM files may be saved in the XML or Binary format.

Created by:	Flexera Software
Group:	Developer Files

Software Programs That Open InstallShield Project Files:

InstallShield by Flexera Software

Compatible with:

Windows

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Troubleshoot ISM Files

Typical ISM Opening Challenges

Missing Microsoft IIS

You encounter an error message such as "%%os%% Can't Open ISM Files" when trying to open your ISM. Customarily, this means that Microsoft IIS is not installed on %%os%%. Because your operating system doesn't know what to do with this file, you won't be able to open it by double-clicking.

Tip: When you have another program installed that you know will open your ISM, you can select it from the other programs listed (see "Show Apps").

Microsoft IIS Requires Update

It is possible that your version of Microsoft IIS isn't able to open your IIS Smooth Streaming Manifest File file due to incompatibility. You will need to download a newer version of Microsoft IIS if you don't have the right version. This problem is most common when you have an older version of the software application, and your file was created by a newer version that it cannot recognize.

Tip: If you right-click on your ISM file, then select "Properties" (Windows) or "Get Info" (Mac), you can obtain hints about what version you need.

Summary: Not having the right Microsoft IIS version on your computer can cause problems opening ISM files.

More Causes of Problems Opening ISMs

Errors opening IIS Smooth Streaming Manifest File files can still occur even with the latest Microsoft IIS software installed on your computer. There can be external issues inside of %%os%% that are causing these errors when opening ISMs. These other problems include (listed in order from most to least common):

• Invalid ISM file references in the Windows Registry (the "phonebook" of the Windows Operating System)
• Mistaken removal of the Windows registry ISM description
• Defective install of a ISM program, such as Microsoft IIS
• ISM file corruption
• Past or present virus infection has affected your ISM
• Device drivers for ISM-related hardware are out-of-date
• Too many applications are open on your PC to load your IIS Smooth Streaming Manifest File file successfully