Types of MADS Files

Primary MADS File Association

.MADS

File Format:	.mads
File Type:	Metadata Authority Description Schema

Created by:	United States Library of Congress
File Category:	Data Files
Registry Key:	HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.mads

Software Programs That Open The Metadata Authority Description Schema:

Metadata Authority Description Schema by United States Library of Congress

Windows

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Troubleshooting Problems Opening MADS Files

Common Problems Opening MADS Files

Metadata Authority Description Schema is Not Installed

When you double-click your MADS 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 Metadata Authority Description Schema for %%os%% installed on your computer. Because your operating system doesn't know what to do with this file, you won't be able to open it by double-clicking.

Tip: If you know of another program that can open your MADS file, you can try opening it by selecting the application from the programs listed.

Wrong Version of Metadata Authority Description Schema is Installed

In some cases, you might have a newer (or older) version of a Metadata Authority Description Schema file that is unsupported by your installed application version. If you do not have the proper version Metadata Authority Description Schema (or any of the other programs listed above), you may need to try downloading a different version of it, or one of the other software applications listed above. This problem is most common when you have an older version of the software application, and your file was created by a newer version that it cannot recognize.

Tip: Sometimes you can get a clue about the version of MADS file you have by right clicking on the file, then clicking on "Properties" (Windows) or "Get Info" (Mac OSX).

Summary: In either case, the majority of problems opening MADS files are related to not having the correct software application installed on your computer.

Other Causes of MADS File Opening Problems

Although you might already have Metadata Authority Description Schema or another MADS-associated software installed on your computer, you can still encounter problems opening Metadata Authority Description Schema files. If you are still having problems opening MADS files, there may be other issues that are preventing you from opening these files. These other problems include (listed in order from most to least common):

• Invalid MADS file references in the Windows Registry (the "phonebook" of the Windows Operating System)
• Accidental deletion of the description of the MADS file in the Windows registry
• Incomplete or bad installation of a software application associated with the MADS format
• Your MADS file is corrupted (issues with your Metadata Authority Description Schema file itself)
• Your MADS is infected with malware
• Device drivers of the hardware associated with your MADS file are corrupt or out-of-date
• Your computer does not have the adequate system resources to open the Metadata Authority Description Schema format