Troubleshooting Problems Opening PHL Files
Typical PHL Opening Challenges
Microsoft Notepad Removed
Double-clicking your PHL file prompts the message "%%os%% Can't Open PHL File". If so, it typically means that you don't have Microsoft Notepad installed for %%os%%. You won't be able to double-click to open your PHL because your OS doesn't know what to do with it.
Tip: If you don't have Microsoft Notepad installed, and you know of another program to open your PHL file, you can try opening it by selecting from the programs listed under "Show Apps".
Wrong Version of Microsoft Notepad is Installed
Sometimes your installed version of Microsoft Notepad won't support your Kindle Popular Highlights File file. If you've got the wrong version of Microsoft Notepad installed, you'll need to install the correct version. Most of the time your Kindle Popular Highlights File file was created by a newer Microsoft Notepad than what you have installed.
Tip: Find clues on the correct software version by right-clicking your PHL file and clicking "Properties".
Summary: In either case, the majority of problems opening PHL files are related to not having the correct software application installed on your computer.
Other PHL File Issues
You can still experience errors opening PHL files even with the latest version of Microsoft Notepad installed on your PC. There can be external issues inside of %%os%% that are causing these errors when opening PHLs. Issues that aren't software-related:
- PHL file references in the Windows Registry are broken
- Accidental deletion of the description of the PHL file in the Windows registry
- Microsoft Notepad or another PHL application experienced a flawed installation
- The PHL itself is corrupted
- PHL file integrity has been compromised by malware
- Hardware associated with PHL has outdated drivers
- Windows has inadequate resources to open your Kindle Popular Highlights File 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.
Poll: Do you use a computer or mobile device more often to view files?