Understanding HXS Issues
Frequent HXS Opening Issues
Microsoft Visual Studio is Not Installed
If you attempt to load your HXS file, you experience a message such as "Can't Open HXS Files". If this is the case, it's usually due to the fact that you do not have Microsoft Visual Studio for %%os%% installed on your computer. The typical path of opening your HXS with a double-click won't work because %%os%% cannot make the program connection.
Tip: Another HXS-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
Your Help 2 Compiled Help File file is incompatible with Microsoft Visual Studio because you might have the wrong version installed. You will need to download a newer version of Microsoft Visual Studio if you don't have the right version. Most of the time your Help 2 Compiled Help File file was created by a newer Microsoft Visual Studio than what you have installed.
Tip: Sometimes you can get a clue about the version of HXS file you have by right clicking on the file, then clicking on "Properties" (Windows) or "Get Info" (Mac OSX).
Primarily, problems experienced when opening HXS files are due to having the incorrect version of Microsoft Visual Studio installed on your computer.
Other Causes of HXS File Opening Problems
Even with the correct version of Microsoft Visual Studio installed, you can still experience difficulties opening HXSs. If you are continuing to have errors with loading HXS files, other external issues might be to blame. Other contributing causes:
- Windows Registry HXS file paths that are incorrect
- The HXS file description within the Windows Registry was removed
- Defective install of a HXS program, such as Microsoft Visual Studio
- Your HXS file is corrupted (issues with your Help 2 Compiled Help File file itself)
- Past or present virus infection has affected your HXS
- Hardware related to HXSs has device driver corruption
- Too many applications are open on your PC to load your Help 2 Compiled Help File file successfully
Poll: How many different computer files (eg. documents, videos, audio) do you typically view or edit on a daily basis?