Sources of WFW Problems
Typical WFW Opening Challenges
Microsoft Windows Server 2016 Disappeared
When trying to open your WFW file, you get the error "Can't Open WFW File Type". If so, it typically means that you don't have Microsoft Windows Server 2016 installed for %%os%%. You won't be able to double-click to open your WFW because your OS doesn't know what to do with it.
Tip: When you have another program installed that you know will open your WFW, you can select it from the other programs listed (see "Show Apps").
Obsolete Version of Microsoft Windows Server 2016
Sometimes your installed version of Microsoft Windows Server 2016 won't support your Windows Firewall Policy File file. Download the latest Microsoft Windows Server 2016 version from the Microsoft Corporation website to ensure you have the correct one installed. The primary cause of this problem is that your Windows Firewall Policy File file was created by a different (newer) version of Microsoft Windows Server 2016 than what's installed.
Tip: Right-clicking on your WFW, then clicking "Properties" (Windows) or "Get Info" (Mac), can provide clues about your file version.
Conclusion: The majority of WFW file opening issues are due to not having the correct Microsoft Windows Server 2016 version installed.
Other WFW File Opening Causes
Errors opening Windows Firewall Policy File files can still occur even with the latest Microsoft Windows Server 2016 software installed on your computer. There can be external issues inside of %%os%% that are causing these errors when opening WFWs. These issues include:
- WFW file references in the Windows Registry are broken
- Unintentional removal of the description of the WFW file inside the Windows Registry
- Invalid installation of a WFW-associated program (eg. Microsoft Windows Server 2016)
- Your WFW can't be loaded properly (file corruption)
- Past or present virus infection has affected your WFW
- Hardware associated with WFW has outdated drivers
- Your PC doesn’t have enough available resources to open the Windows Firewall Policy File file
Poll: How often do you encounter a file extension that you don't recognize?