W32 File Extension

What is W32 file?

W32 filename suffix is mostly used for Win32 Makefile files. W32 files are supported by software applications available for devices running Windows. W32 file format, along with 1205 other file formats, belongs to the Developer Files category. Users are advised to use Microsoft Visual Studio software for managing W32 files, although 1 other programs can also handle this type of file. On the official website of Microsoft Corporation developer not only will you find detailed information about theMicrosoft Visual Studio software, but also about W32 and other supported file formats.

Programs which support W32 file extension

Programs that can handle W32 files are as follows. W32 files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

How to open file with W32 extension?

Problems with accessing W32 may be due to various reasons. Fortunately, most common problems with W32 files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with W32 files.

Step 1. Download and install Microsoft Visual Studio

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening W32 files is that no program that can handle W32 files is installed on user’s system. The most obvious solution is to download and install Microsoft Visual Studio or one to the listed programs: WinCAPS. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support W32 files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. The safest method of downloading Microsoft Visual Studio installed is by going to developer’s website (Microsoft Corporation) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Check the version of Microsoft Visual Studio and update if needed

If you already have Microsoft Visual Studio installed on your systems and W32 files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. This can be one of the causes why W32 files are not compatible with Microsoft Visual Studio. The latest version of Microsoft Visual Studio should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Assign Microsoft Visual Studio to W32 files

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate W32 files with latest version of Microsoft Visual Studio you have installed on your device. The next step should pose no problems. The procedure is straightforward and largely system-independent

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Clicking the W32 with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• Finally select Look for another app on this PC, point to the folder where Microsoft Visual Studio is installed, check the Always use this app to open W32 files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• Right-click the W32 file and select Information
• Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
• Select the appropriate software and save your settings by clicking Change all
• A message window should appear informing that This change will be applied to all files with W32 extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Check the W32 for errors

You closely followed the steps listed in points 1-3, but the problem is still present? You should check whether the file is a proper W32 file. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.

1. The W32 may be infected with malware – make sure to scan it with an antivirus tool.

Should it happed that the W32 is infected with a virus, this may be that cause that prevents you from accessing it. It is advised to scan the system for viruses and malware as soon as possible or use an online antivirus scanner. If the W32 file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Ensure the file with W32 extension is complete and error-free

Did you receive the W32 file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. It is possible that the file has not been properly copied to a data storage and is incomplete and therefore cannot be opened. It could happen the the download process of file with W32 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.

There is a possibility that the file in question can only be accessed by users with sufficient system privileges. Log in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.

4. Check whether your system can handle Microsoft Visual Studio

If the systems has insufficient resources to open W32 files, try closing all currently running applications and try again.

5. Ensure that you have the latest drivers and system updates and patches installed

Regularly updated system, drivers, and programs keep your computer secure. This may also prevent problems with Win32 Makefile files. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle W32 files.

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