CHI File Extension

What is CHI file?

Full format name of files that use CHI extension is Microsoft Help Index. Microsoft Corporation defined the Microsoft Help Index format standard. Files with CHI extension may be used by programs distributed for Windows platform. CHI file format, along with 6033 other file formats, belongs to the Misc Files category. Visual FoxPro supports CHI files and is the most frequently used program to handle such files, yet 1 other tools may also be used. Software named Visual FoxPro was created by Microsoft Corporation. In order to find more detailed information on the software and CHI files, check the developer’s official website.

Programs which support CHI file extension

Below is a table that list programs that support CHI files. Files with CHI 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 CHI extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening CHI files on given system. Fortunately, most common problems with CHI 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 CHI files.

Step 1. Get the Visual FoxPro

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports CHI files installed on the system. This issue can be addressed by downloading and installing Visual FoxPro or different compatible program, such as Microsoft Windows. On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. The safest method of downloading Visual FoxPro installed is by going to developer’s website (Microsoft Corporation) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of Visual FoxPro

You still cannot access CHI files although Visual FoxPro 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. The reason that Visual FoxPro cannot handle files with CHI may be that the software is outdated. The latest version of Visual FoxPro should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Associate Microsoft Help Index files with Visual FoxPro

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

The procedure to change the default program in Windows

• Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the CHI file
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• Finally select Look for another app on this PC, point to the folder where Visual FoxPro is installed, check the Always use this app to open CHI files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• Right-click the CHI file and select Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• Select Visual FoxPro and click Change for all...
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with CHI extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Check the CHI for errors

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the CHI file in question. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.

1. Check the CHI file for viruses or malware

If the CHI 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 scanner detected that the CHI file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

2. Verify that the CHI file’s structure is intact

Did you receive the CHI 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 CHI extension was interrupted and the file data is defective. Download the file again from the same source.

3. Verify whether your account has administrative rights

Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the Microsoft Help Index file.

4. Check whether your system can handle Visual FoxPro

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

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 Microsoft Help Index files. It may be the case that the CHI files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

Do you want to help?

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