Understanding VAM Issues
Common VAM Opening Problems
Microsoft Visual Studio Removed
You attempt to load your VAM file and get an error such as "%%os%% Can't Open The VAM File Extension". 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. Your operating system cannot associate your VAM with Microsoft Visual Studio, so double-clicking the file won't work.
Tip: Another VAM-related program can be selected to open the file by clicking "Show Apps" and finding the application.
Obsolete Version of Microsoft Visual Studio
Sometimes your installed version of Microsoft Visual Studio won't support your Visual Studio Common Tools Vanalyzer Project Item file. Download the latest Microsoft Visual Studio version from the Microsoft Corporation website to ensure you have the correct one installed. The primary cause of this problem is that your Visual Studio Common Tools Vanalyzer Project Item file was created by a different (newer) version of Microsoft Visual Studio than what's installed.
Tip: Right-clicking on your VAM, then clicking "Properties" (Windows) or "Get Info" (Mac), can provide clues about your file version.
Conclusion: The majority of VAM file opening issues are due to not having the correct Microsoft Visual Studio version installed.
Other Causes of VAM File Opening Problems
In the majority of cases, installing the right version of Microsoft Visual Studio will resolve your issue. There can be external issues inside of %%os%% that are causing these errors when opening VAMs. Other contributing causes:
- Windows Registry VAM file paths that are incorrect
- The VAM file description within the Windows Registry was removed
- Microsoft Visual Studio or another VAM application experienced a flawed installation
- Your VAM file is corrupted (issues with your Visual Studio Common Tools Vanalyzer Project Item file itself)
- Your VAM has adversely impacted by malware
- Hardware associated with VAM has outdated drivers
- Too many applications are open on your PC to load your Visual Studio Common Tools Vanalyzer Project Item file successfully
Quiz: Which of these is considered a vector image file?
That's Correct!
The unique thing about vector files such as AI and EPS is that graphic details (eg. sizes and shapes of objects) and text remains editable. This allows you can save and re-open them in Illustrator and edit text or other elements within the graphic.
Close, but not quite...
The unique thing about vector files such as AI and EPS is that graphic details (eg. sizes and shapes of objects) and text remains editable. This allows you can save and re-open them in Illustrator and edit text or other elements within the graphic.