CSO Types

Main CSO Affiliation

.CSO

File ID:	.cso
Classification:	Compiled Shader Object File

CSO is a file created by compiled .HLSL files written in High Level Shader Language (HLSL), which is shading language developed by Microsoft. It retains the same name as the HLSL file but appears as a CSO file after the compile in Microsoft Visual Studio.

Developer:	Microsoft Corporation
Function:	3D Image Files
Folder:	HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.cso

Software Programs That Open The Compiled Shader Object File:

Microsoft Visual Studio by Microsoft Corporation

Windows

Microsoft DirectX SDK by Microsoft Corporation

Windows

OpenGL SDK by OpenGL

Windows

Mac

Linux

Other CSO File Associations

.CSO

File ID:	.cso
Classification:	Compressed ISO Disk Image

CSO file is a high compression .ISO disk image, up to nine layers of compression, it is used to archive PlayStation Portable (PSP) games.

Developer:	Open Source
Function:	Disk Image Files

Software Programs That Open Compressed ISO Disk Image Files:

UMDGen by Open Source

Compatible with:

Windows

PSP ISO Compressor by Open Source

Compatible with:

Windows

YACC by Open Source

Compatible with:

Windows

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CSO File Complications

Issues Opening CSO Files

Microsoft Visual Studio is Not Installed

Double-clicking your CSO file prompts the message "%%os%% Can't Open CSO File". Usually, this is because you do not have Microsoft Visual Studio for %%os%% installed. You won't be able to double-click to open your CSO because your OS doesn't know what to do with it.

Tip: Another CSO-related program can be selected to open the file by clicking "Show Apps" and finding the application.

Wrong Version of Microsoft Visual Studio is Installed

In other instances, your Compiled Shader Object File file version may not be supported by your version of Microsoft Visual Studio. If you do not have the proper version Microsoft Visual Studio (or any of the other programs listed above), you may need to try downloading a different version of it, or one of the other software applications listed above. Most of the time your Compiled Shader Object File file was created by a newer Microsoft Visual Studio than what you have installed.

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

Ultimately, most of the difficulties opening CSO files are due to having the wrong version of Microsoft Visual Studio installed.

Other CSO File Issues

Assuming you have the right Microsoft Visual Studio version installed, other problems can prevent you from opening CSO files. If you're still experiencing problems opening CSO files, there could be other computer problems. Issues that aren't software-related:

• Corrupt Windows Registry file path references for CSO
• Unintentional removal of the description of the CSO file inside the Windows Registry
• Partial installation of Microsoft Visual Studio that did not fully complete
• File corruption affecting your CSO file
• The CSO is infected with a virus
• Drivers associated with CSO software need to be updated
• Windows cannot load your Compiled Shader Object File file due to insufficient resources (eg. RAM)