APPREF-MS File Extension

What is APPREF-MS file?

APPREF-MS is a file extension commonly associated with Application Reference Format files. Microsoft defined the Application Reference Format format standard. Files with APPREF-MS extension may be used by programs distributed for Windows platform. Files with APPREF-MS extension are categorized as Settings Files files. The Settings Files subset comprises 1305 various file formats. The most popular program for handling APPREF-MS files is Microsoft Visual Studio, but users can choose among 2 different programs that support this file format. Software named Microsoft Visual Studio was created by Microsoft Corporation. In order to find more detailed information on the software and APPREF-MS files, check the developer’s official website.

Programs which support APPREF-MS file extension

Programs that can handle APPREF-MS files are as follows. Files with APPREF-MS extension, just like any other file formats, can be found on any operating system. The files in question may be transferred to other devices, be it mobile or stationary, yet not all systems may be capable of properly handling such files.

How to open file with APPREF-MS extension?

Problems with accessing APPREF-MS may be due to various reasons. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to Application Reference Format files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.

Step 1. Install Microsoft Visual Studio software

Problems with opening and working with APPREF-MS files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with APPREF-MS files being present on your machine. This one is an easy one. Select Microsoft Visual Studio or one of the recommended programs (for example, Microsoft Windows, ClickOnce) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. If you want to download Microsoft Visual Studio installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit Microsoft Corporation website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Update Microsoft Visual Studio to the latest version

If the problems with opening APPREF-MS files still occur even after installing Microsoft Visual Studio, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of Microsoft Visual Studio is available. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. If you have an older version of Microsoft Visual Studio installed, it may not support APPREF-MS format. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using Microsoft Visual Studio.

Step 3. Set the default application to open APPREF-MS files to Microsoft Visual Studio

After installing Microsoft Visual Studio (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open APPREF-MS files. The process of associating file formats with default application may differ in details depending on platform, but the basic procedure is very similar.

The procedure to change the default program in Windows

• Clicking the APPREF-MS with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where Microsoft Visual Studio is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open APPREF-MS files and clicking OK.

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected APPREF-MS file open the file menu and choose Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• From the list choose the appropriate program and confirm by clicking Change for all....
• A message window should appear informing that This change will be applied to all files with APPREF-MS extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Ensure that the APPREF-MS file is complete and free of errors

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the APPREF-MS file in question. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

1. Verify that the APPREF-MS in question is not infected with a computer virus

If the APPREF-MS is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. If the APPREF-MS file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Ensure the file with APPREF-MS extension is complete and error-free

If the APPREF-MS file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. During the copy process of the file errors may occurred rendering the file incomplete or corrupted. This could be the source of encountered problems with the file. If the APPREF-MS file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

3. Check if the user that you are logged as has administrative privileges.

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Log in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.

4. Verify that your device fulfills the requirements to be able to open Microsoft Visual Studio

The operating systems may note enough free resources to run the application that support APPREF-MS files. Close all running programs and try opening the APPREF-MS file.

5. Check if you have the latest updates to the operating system and drivers

Regularly updated system, drivers, and programs keep your computer secure. This may also prevent problems with Application Reference Format files. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with APPREF-MS files affecting older versions of given software.

Do you want to help?

If you have additional information about the APPREF-MS file, we will be grateful if you share it with our users. To do this, use the form here and send us your information on APPREF-MS file.