.CHW File Recovery

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 .CHW file recovery guide for Windows, MacOS, Android and IOS in 2024.

CHW File Recovery
Data Recovery Tool

What is a .CHW file?

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.

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

There are several common causes of ".CHW" files being lost or experiencing failure. Some of these causes include:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete ".CHW" files while cleaning up their system or removing unnecessary files.
  2. Software conflicts: Conflicts between different software programs or incompatible software versions can lead to corruption or loss of ".CHW" files.
  3. Virus or malware attacks: Malicious software can infect and corrupt ".CHW" files, rendering them inaccessible or causing them to be deleted.
  4. Hard drive failure: Physical damage or logical errors in the hard drive can result in the loss or corruption of ".CHW" files.
  5. Operating system errors: Errors in the operating system, such as crashes or system freezes, can cause ".CHW" files to become lost or damaged.
  6. Power outages or system shutdowns: Abrupt power outages or improper system shutdowns can interrupt the file saving process, leading to ".CHW" file loss or corruption.
  7. File system errors: Errors in the file system structure, such as file system corruption or bad sectors on the storage device, can cause ".CHW" files to become lost or inaccessible.
  8. Improper file handling: Mishandling or improper manipulation of ".CHW" files, such as forceful termination of applications or improper file transfers, can result in file corruption or loss.
  9. Hardware issues: Faulty hardware components, such as a malfunctioning hard drive or faulty RAM, can lead to ".CHW" file loss or failure.

It's important to regularly back up important ".CHW" files to prevent permanent loss and take necessary precautions to avoid the above-mentioned causes.

How to recover lost ".CHW" 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 ".CHW" 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 ".CHW" file is always to create it once more.

Use programs for recovering ".CHW" 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 ".CHW" 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 ".CHW" 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 ".CHW" extension?

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

Programs that open ".CHW" files

Windows
The Helpware Group FAR The Helpware Group FAR

Additional Information

  • File type: Compiled Help Index File

  • File extension: .CHW

  • Developer: Microsoft

  • Category: Misc Files

  • Format: Binary

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We will be happy to answer your questions!

Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 12:38 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .CHW 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 .CHW represent, and what is its purpose?

    The file extension .CHW represents a Compiled Help File. It is a proprietary file format used by Microsoft Windows for storing compiled help documentation.

    The purpose of .CHW files is to provide a compressed and optimized version of help files that can be accessed by various Microsoft applications, such as Help and Support Center, Windows Help, and Microsoft Help Viewer. These files contain the actual content of the help documentation, including text, images, and other multimedia elements, in a format that can be quickly accessed and displayed to users when they require assistance or information.

  • How can I open a .CHW file on my computer?

    A .CHW file is a compiled help file typically associated with Microsoft Help Workshop. To open a .CHW file on your computer, you can follow these steps:

    1. Make sure you have the necessary software installed: You will need Microsoft Help Workshop or a compatible program that can open .CHW files. If you don't have it installed, you can download and install Microsoft Help Workshop from the Microsoft website.
    2. Once you have the required software installed, locate the .CHW file on your computer.
    3. Right-click on the .CHW file and select "Open With" from the context menu.
    4. Choose the appropriate program to open the file. If Microsoft Help Workshop is installed, it should appear in the list of programs. If not, click on "Choose another app" to browse for the program manually.
    5. If Microsoft Help Workshop is selected, the .CHW file should open in the program, allowing you to view its contents.

    Note: .CHW files are primarily used by developers to create and distribute help files, so they may not be easily readable or useful for general users.

  • Are there any specific software programs or tools required to access and view the contents of a .CHW file?

    Yes, there are specific software programs or tools required to access and view the contents of a .CHW file. The .CHW file format is typically associated with Microsoft Compiled HTML Help files, commonly used for help documentation in Windows applications.

    To access and view the contents of a .CHW file, you need a CHM viewer or a compatible software tool. Here are some options:

    1. Windows Help Program: Microsoft Windows includes a built-in Help program that can open .CHM files. Simply double-click the .CHW file, and it should open in the Windows Help Program.
    2. HTML Help Workshop: This is a Microsoft tool specifically designed for creating, editing, and viewing CHM files. It can be downloaded for free from the Microsoft website.
    3. Help Explorer Viewer: This is a standalone CHM viewer that allows you to open and view CHM files. It provides additional features like full-text search, bookmarking, and customization options.
    4. XCHM: This is an open-source CHM viewer available for various operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and macOS. It provides a simple interface to open and view CHM files.
    5. Sumatra PDF: Although primarily a PDF reader, Sumatra PDF also supports CHM files. It is a lightweight and fast application that can be used to open and view CHM files.

    These are just a few examples of software programs and tools that can open and view .CHW files. There might be other alternatives available as well.
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