What to Do When .CHM Files Are Lost After a System Crash

Have files been deleted due to a user’s error or software error? Have you formatted a disk by accident and need to know how to recover the files? Read our .CHM file recovery guide for Windows, MacOS, Android and IOS in 2024.

What to Do When .CHM Files Are Lost After a System Crash
Data Recovery Tool

What is a .CHM file?

Help documentation compiled and saved in a compressed HTML format; may include text, images, and hyperlinks; viewable in a Web browser; used by Windows and other programs as an online help solution.

What Are Common Causes of ".CHM" Files Lost or Failure?

There are several common causes of ".CHM" (Compiled HTML Help) files being lost or encountering failure:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete the ".CHM" file while cleaning up their computer or organizing files, leading to its loss.
  2. File corruption: ".CHM" files can become corrupted due to various reasons such as improper system shutdown, hardware issues, software conflicts, or malware infection.
  3. Software or system errors: Errors or bugs in the software or operating system can lead to the loss or failure of ".CHM" files.
  4. Disk errors: Hard drive issues like bad sectors or disk errors can cause ".CHM" files to become inaccessible or lost.
  5. Virus or malware attacks: Malicious software can infect and damage ".CHM" files, making them unreadable or causing their loss.
  6. Improper file transfer: If ".CHM" files are not transferred correctly, such as interrupted downloads or incomplete file transfers, they may become corrupted or lost.
  7. Software or system updates: Sometimes, updating software or the operating system can cause compatibility issues, leading to the loss or failure of ".CHM" files.
  8. User errors: Accidental formatting of the storage device, improper handling of files, or mistakenly renaming or moving the ".CHM" file can result in its loss or failure.

It is important to regularly back up ".CHM" files to prevent data loss and use reliable antivirus software to protect against malware attacks.

How to recover lost ".CHM" files?

Sometimes while working with a computer, laptop or other stationary or mobile devices, you may encounter various bugs, freezes, hardware or software failures, even in spite of regular updates and junk cleaning. As a result, an important ".CHM" file may be deleted.

Go to view
🧺 How to Recover Files and Folders After Sending Them to the Recycle Bin and Deleting? (Windows 11)

🧺 How to Recover Files and Folders After Sending Them to the Recycle Bin and Deleting? (Windows 11)

By no means should you think that the only way to recover a ".CHM" file is always to create it once more.

Use programs for recovering ".CHM" files if a file was lost after accidental or deliberate deleting, formatting the memory card or the internal storage, cleaning the storage device, after a virus attack or a system failure.

Programs to recover ".CHM" files

Looking for a way to get files back? In cases when files were deleted and they cannot be restored by using standard operating system tools, use Hetman Partition Recovery.

Partition Recovery™ 4.9
The tool recovers data from any devices, regardless of the cause of data loss.
Download

Follow the directions below:

  1. Download Hetman Partition Recovery, install and start the program.

  2. The program will automatically scan the computer and display all hard disks and removable drives connected to it, as well as physical and local disks.

    File Recovery Software

  3. Double-click on the disk from which you need to recover ".CHM" files, and select analysis type.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Analysis Type

  4. When the scanning is over, you will be shown the files for recovery.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Files that Can be Restored

  5. To find a file you need, use the program’s interface to open the folder it was deleted from, or go to the folder "Content-Aware Analysis" and select the required file type.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Deep Scan

  6. Select the files you have been looking for and click "Recovery".

    File Recovery Software - Files List for Recovery

  7. Choose one of the methods for saving the files and recover them.

    Saving recovered files in Hetman Partition Recovery

How to open file with ".CHM" extension?

Looking for how to open a stereo compiled HTML Help File image file file?

Programs that open ".CHM" files

Windows
File Viewer Plus File Viewer Plus
xCHM xCHM
GridinSoft CHM Decoder GridinSoft CHM Decoder
GridinSoft CHM Editor GridinSoft CHM Editor
Softany WinCHM Softany WinCHM
Dawningsoft PowerCHM Dawningsoft PowerCHM
Guohua ChmDecompiler Guohua ChmDecompiler
Help Explorer Viewer Help Explorer Viewer
Mozilla Firefox Mozilla Firefox
Mac
Chmox Chmox
xCHM xCHM
Enolsoft CHM View Enolsoft CHM View
Apple Safari Apple Safari
Mozilla Firefox Mozilla Firefox
Linux
xCHM xCHM
Mozilla Firefox Mozilla Firefox
ChmSee ChmSee
kchmviewer kchmviewer

Additional Information

  • File type: Compiled HTML Help File

  • File extension: .CHM

  • Developer: Microsoft

  • Category: Web Files

  • Format: Binary

  • HEX: 49 54 53 46

  • ASCII: ITSF

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 14:42 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .CHM files after deleting, cleaning or formatting!
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Vladimir Artiukh

Author: Vladimir Artiukh, Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Oleg Afonin

Editor: Oleg Afonin, Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

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Questions and answers

  • What does the file extension .CHM stand for, and what is a .CHM file used for?

    The file extension .CHM stands for Compiled HTML Help. A .CHM file is a proprietary file format used for delivering help documents and documentation in a compressed HTML format. It is commonly used for software applications, providing a user-friendly interface for accessing and searching through help files, manuals, tutorials, and other documentation. .CHM files can include text, images, hyperlinks, and other multimedia elements, making it a versatile format for delivering comprehensive help resources.

  • How can I open a .CHM file on my computer? Are there any specific software or tools required?

    To open a .CHM (Compiled HTML Help) file on your computer, you can follow these steps:

    1. Windows: By default, Windows provides a built-in CHM viewer. Simply double-click on the .CHM file, and it should open in the Windows HTML Help viewer.
    2. Mac: On Mac, you can use third-party software like iChm or Chmox to open .CHM files. These applications allow you to view the contents of the CHM file.
    3. Linux: Linux also offers various CHM viewers such as xCHM, KchmViewer, or GnoCHM. Install any of these tools via your package manager, and then you can open .CHM files using them.

    Note: In some cases, you might encounter security warnings or restrictions while opening .CHM files. This is because CHM files can contain potentially harmful content. Ensure that the file is from a trusted source before opening it.

    Additionally, if you prefer an online solution, you can convert the .CHM file to a different format (such as PDF or HTML) using conversion tools available online. Once converted, you can open the file using a compatible viewer or web browser.

  • Are there any alternative methods or programs to open .CHM files apart from the default options?

    Yes, there are several alternative methods and programs to open .CHM files apart from the default options. Some of them include:

    1. Sumatra PDF: It is a lightweight and open-source PDF, eBook, and .CHM file viewer that can be used as an alternative to the default options.
    2. xCHM: It is an open-source viewer for .CHM files available for various operating systems like Windows, Linux, and macOS.
    3. Calibre: It is primarily an eBook management software, but it can also open and view .CHM files. It is available for Windows, Linux, and macOS.
    4. FBReader: It is a free and open-source eBook reader that supports various formats, including .CHM files. It is available for Windows, Linux, and Android.
    5. Help Explorer Viewer: It is a standalone viewer for .CHM files that provides a user-friendly interface and additional features for browsing and searching within the .CHM files. It is available for Windows.

    These are just a few examples, and there are many other programs and tools available for opening .CHM files.
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