Understanding PKGDEF Issues
Common Problems Opening PKGDEF Files
Microsoft Visual Studio Disappeared
When you double-click your PKGDEF file, you may see a dialog box from your operating system stating that it "Cannot Open This File Type". 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. You won't be able to double-click to open your PKGDEF because your OS doesn't know what to do with it.
Tip: If you know of another program that can open your PKGDEF file, you can try opening it by selecting the application from the programs listed.
Outdated Microsoft Visual Studio
It is possible that your version of Microsoft Visual Studio isn't able to open your Microsoft Visual Studio Shell Data file due to incompatibility. Download the latest Microsoft Visual Studio version from the Microsoft Corporation website to ensure you have the correct one installed. Your Microsoft Visual Studio Shell Data file was probably created by a newer release of Microsoft Visual Studio than what's currently installed your computer.
Tip: Find clues on the correct software version by right-clicking your PKGDEF file and clicking "Properties".
Ultimately, most of the difficulties opening PKGDEF files are due to having the wrong version of Microsoft Visual Studio installed.
Associated Difficulties Loading PKGDEF Files
Even with the correct version of Microsoft Visual Studio installed, you can still experience difficulties opening PKGDEFs. Other PKGDEF opening errors can be created by other system problems inside of %%os%%. These issues include:
- Invalid PKGDEF file references in the Windows Registry (the "phonebook" of the Windows Operating System)
- Deletion of the PKGDEF file description from the Registry by mistake
- Corrupt install of Microsoft Visual Studio or other PKGDEF-related program
- PKGDEF file corruption
- The PKGDEF is infected with a virus
- PKGDEF-related hardware has device drivers that obsolete
- Your PC doesn’t have enough available resources to open the Microsoft Visual Studio Shell Data file
Quiz: Which operating system pioneered hierarchical file system (eg. file folders)?
That's Correct!
Multics was the first OS to support hierarchies of directories (eg. "Home" -> "Documents" -> "Work"). Nearly every modern operating system was heavily influenced by Multics.
Close, but not quite...
Multics was the first OS to support hierarchies of directories (eg. "Home" -> "Documents" -> "Work"). Nearly every modern operating system was heavily influenced by Multics.