Troubleshoot EFP Files
Common EFP Opening Problems
Microsoft Exchange Server Disappeared
When you double-click your EFP file, you may see a dialog box from your operating system stating that it "Cannot Open This File Type". When this happens, it is commonly due to Microsoft Exchange Server missing in %%os%%. This will prevent you from double-clicking to open the EFP file because the OS doesn’t know how to handle it.
Tip: When another EFP application is installed, you can choose to open it by selecting "Show Apps" and using that program.
Microsoft Exchange Server Requires Update
In some cases, you might have a newer (or older) version of a Exchange Forms Designer Template file that is unsupported by your installed application version. If you've got the wrong version of Microsoft Exchange Server installed, you'll need to install the correct 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: You can sometimes get hints about the right program version by right-clicking on the EFP file, selecting "Properties", and looking at the version information.
Summary: In either case, the majority of problems opening EFP files are related to not having the correct software application installed on your computer.
Other Causes of EFP File Opening Problems
Assuming you have the right Microsoft Exchange Server version installed, other problems can prevent you from opening EFP files. There can be external issues inside of %%os%% that are causing these errors when opening EFPs. Additional factors include:
- Corrupt Windows Registry file path references for EFP
- Accidental deletion of the description of the EFP file in the Windows registry
- Invalid installation of a EFP-associated program (eg. Microsoft Exchange Server)
- Your EFP can't be loaded properly (file corruption)
- Malware-tainted EFP file can't be opened
- Drivers associated with EFP software need to be updated
- Too many applications are open on your PC to load your Exchange Forms Designer Template file successfully
Poll: How often do you encounter a file extension that you don't recognize?