HME File Extension

What is HME file?

Files with the HME extension contain themes, or themes for the smartphone system. This format is dedicated to Windows Mobile devices. It may take the form of a file package creating a system theme, packed into ZIP format with the extension changed. HME is an obsolete format and practically unheard of today.

Contents of HME files - graphic and color themes for phones

Files with the HME extension store all the necessary settings and graphical or functional elements that allow changing the appearance of the system on the phone. These include:

• graphics, for example, wallpaper images, backgrounds,
• system color schemes,
• plugins, home screen functionality.

Initially, HME files were dedicated primarily to devices with the Windows Mobile system. Currently, they are not used due to the popularization of Android and iOS mobile devices.

Installing HME themes on a phone

Phones supporting the HME theme format allowed for their intuitive handling. It was necessary to download or transfer a file with the HME extension to the phone's memory. An attempt to open it should initiate automatic installation and application of the theme on the device. However, disabling the theme is possible by entering the appearance settings options in the system, depending on its version.

Programs which support HME file extension

Below is a table that list programs that support HME files. Files with HME suffix can be copied to any mobile device or system platform, but it may not be possible to open them properly on target system.

Updated: 04/03/2024

How to open file with HME extension?

Being unable to open files with HME extension can be have various origins. Fortunately, most common problems with HME files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. The list below will guide you through the process of addressing the encountered problem.

Step 1. Get the ActiveSync

Problems with opening and working with HME files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with HME files being present on your machine. This issue can be addressed by downloading and installing ActiveSync or different compatible program, such as Theme Generator. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. If you want to download ActiveSync installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit Microsoft Corporation website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of ActiveSync

You still cannot access HME files although ActiveSync is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. If you have an older version of ActiveSync installed, it may not support HME format. The most recent version of ActiveSync is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Associate Smartphone Theme Format files with ActiveSync

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate HME files with latest version of ActiveSync you have installed on your device. 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 HME with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
• Next, select the Choose another app option and then using More apps open the list of available applications
• To finalize the process, select Look for another app on this PC entry and using the file explorer select the ActiveSync installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open HME files box and clicking OK button.

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected HME file open the file menu and choose Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• Select ActiveSync and click Change for all...
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with HME extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Ensure that the HME 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 HME file in question. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

1. Check the HME file for viruses or malware

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the HME file hinders attempts to open it. Scan the HME file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the scanner detected that the HME file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

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

Did you receive the HME file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. 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. It could happen the the download process of file with HME extension was interrupted and the file data is defective. Download the file again from the same source.

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 out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the Smartphone Theme Format file.

4. Check whether your system can handle ActiveSync

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

5. Verify that your operating system and drivers are up to date

Regularly updated system, drivers, and programs keep your computer secure. This may also prevent problems with Smartphone Theme Format files. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle HME files.

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