Kinds of CLN Files

Dominant CLN File Type

.CLN

File Ext:	.cln
Classification:	Microsoft Windows 3.x Configuration Backup File

A CLN file is a backup file associated with the Microsoft Windows 3.x. The 3.x is a 16-bit operating system released in 1992 and is based on MS-DOS.

Author:	Microsoft Corporation
Group:	Backup Files
Folder:	HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.cln

Software Programs That Open The Microsoft Windows 3.x Configuration Backup File:

Microsoft Windows 3.x by Microsoft Corporation

Windows

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Sources of CLN Problems

Frequent CLN Opening Issues

Microsoft Windows 3.x is Not Installed

If you attempt to load your CLN file, you experience a message such as "Can't Open CLN Files". Customarily, this means that Microsoft Windows 3.x is not installed on %%os%%. You won't be able to double-click to open your CLN because your OS doesn't know what to do with it.

Tip: If you know of another program that can open your CLN file, you can try opening it by selecting the application from the programs listed.

Microsoft Windows 3.x is Out-of-Date

It is possible that your version of Microsoft Windows 3.x isn't able to open your Microsoft Windows 3.x Configuration Backup File file due to incompatibility. You will need to download a newer version of Microsoft Windows 3.x if you don't have the right version. The primary cause of this problem is that your Microsoft Windows 3.x Configuration Backup File file was created by a different (newer) version of Microsoft Windows 3.x than what's installed.

Tip: Investigate your CLN file by right-clicking and selecting "Properties" to find clues on what version you need.

Regardless, most of the CLN file opening problems relate to not having the right version of Microsoft Windows 3.x installed.

More Causes of Problems Opening CLNs

In the majority of cases, installing the right version of Microsoft Windows 3.x will resolve your issue. There can be external issues inside of %%os%% that are causing these errors when opening CLNs. Additional factors include:

• Windows Registry CLN file paths that are incorrect
• Accidental deletion of the description of the CLN file in the Windows registry
• Partial installation of Microsoft Windows 3.x that did not fully complete
• The CLN itself is corrupted
• Malware-tainted CLN file can't be opened
• Hardware associated with CLN has outdated drivers
• Windows cannot load your Microsoft Windows 3.x Configuration Backup File file due to insufficient resources (eg. RAM)