Home » Misc Files, C » CHW

Basic information about CHW file

When there is a problem with opening files with the file extension CHW（*.CHW or *.chw）, you do not need a computer expert. In most cases, using the helpful suggestions of experts contained in our website as well as appropriate programs, you can solve the problem with the CHW file yourself.

There are 1 file types using the CHW file extension in our database. In the further part of this page, you will find detail information about all the CHW file with their brief description and a list of programs that support CHW file sorted by operating systems. The table below provides useful information about the CHW file extension. It answers questions such as:
  • What is the CHW file?
  • How to open a CHW file?
  • What programs do I need to open a CHW file?
  • What programs help to create and edit a CHW file?
  • How to convert CHW files to another file format?
  • How to convert another files to CHW file format?


1.Detail information about CHW file extension: Compiled Help Index File

File type Compiled Help Index File Category Misc Files
Developer Microsoft File format Binary
Description CHW file is a Compiled Help Index File developed by Microsoft. Help index file created when multiple Compiled HTML Help (.CHM) files are merged together; stores the combined table of contents for the Help content and also includes references to each CHM file; must be rebuilt each time any of the referenced CHM files are updated or the table of contents will not be valid.
Software programs that will open, edit or convert CHW files

Windows		 The Helpware Group FAR



Can't open a CHW file?

When you click a file to open it, operating system examines the filename extension. If operating system recognizes the filename extension, it opens the file in the program that is associated with that filename extension. When operating system does not recognize a filename extension, you receive the following message:

”Can't open this file: example.CHW”。

To open this file, you install one of the applications from the list of software programs that you found here, you should be able to open, edit or convert the file with the CHW extension without any issue.


Where I can download the application that support CHW file?

If you do not know where you can download the application from our list, click on the link (which is the name of the program), you will find more information there on the location where to download the required application. Most often they are the websites of software manufacturers.


How to change file associations?

  • Right-click a file with the extension whose association you want to change, and then click "Open With".
  • In the "Open With" dialog box, click the program whith which you want the file to open, or click "Browse" to locate the program that you want.
  • Select the ”Always use the selected program to open this kind of file” check box.


Can I change the extension of CHW files?

Changing the filename extension of a file is not a good idea. When you change a file's extension, you change the way programs on your computer read/open the file. The problem is, changing the file extension does not change the file format. Select a software program from our list and install it on your computer. If the file has not opened correctly, you have to look for a different software program from our list. Sometimes you have to repeat the operation several times.


What else may cause problems width open a CHW file?

The reasons for the lack of the ability to open a CHW file on your computer may be at least several. The easiest thing is to find a suitable application installed on your computer, which will open a CHW file. If there is still something wrong, you might want to check:

  • Whether the CHW file is damaged.
  • Whether the CHW file is incorrectly linked in the registry entries.
  • Whether the CHW file extension has been accidentally removed from the Windows registry.
  • Whether the installation of an application that supports the CHW file format is incompletely.
  • Whether the CHW file is infected.
  • Whether the drivers of the equipment used for opening a CHW file are up to date.
  • Whether your computer has enough hardware resources to open a CHW file.

If the CHW file still not working with your software after eliminating the above shortcomings? That means that the problem is more complex and requires the help of a specialist.