How to Retrieve .MSHI Files on Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS Devices

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

How to Retrieve .MSHI Files on Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS Devices

What is a .MSHI file?

Help documentation file created in the MS Help Viewer 1.x index format; saves a topical index that is used for browsing and searching the help documentation; used by software developers when authoring the help topics for their software titles.

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

There are several common causes of ".MSHI" files lost or failure:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete ".MSHI" files while organizing or cleaning up their computer's storage.
  2. File corruption: ".MSHI" files can become corrupted due to various reasons such as system crashes, power outages, or software errors.
  3. Virus or malware infection: Malicious software can infect and damage ".MSHI" files, making them inaccessible or causing them to fail.
  4. Hardware failure: If there is a hardware failure in the storage device where the ".MSHI" files are stored, it can result in data loss or file failure.
  5. Software conflicts: Incompatibility issues between different software applications or versions can lead to ".MSHI" file failure.
  6. Improper shutdown: Abruptly shutting down the computer or closing applications without saving the ".MSHI" files can cause data loss or corruption.
  7. Human error: Mistakes made by users, such as accidental formatting of storage devices or improper handling of files, can result in ".MSHI" file loss.
  8. Software bugs: Sometimes, software bugs or glitches can cause ".MSHI" files to become lost or fail.
  9. File system errors: Errors in the file system, such as disk errors or file system corruption, can lead to ".MSHI" file loss or failure.
  10. Operating system issues: Problems with the operating system, such as system crashes or software conflicts, can result in ".MSHI" file loss or failure.

How to recover lost ".MSHI" 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 ".MSHI" file may be deleted.

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🧺 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 ".MSHI" file is always to create it once more.

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

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

Programs that open ".MSHI" files

Windows
The Helpware Group FAR The Helpware Group FAR
Microsoft Visual Studio 2019 Microsoft Visual Studio 2019

Additional Information

  • File type: Microsoft Help Index File

  • File extension: .MSHI

  • Developer: Microsoft

  • Category: Developer Files

  • Format: Binary

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 16:11 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .MSHI 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 could be the possible causes for encountering problems when trying to open .MSHI files?

    There can be several possible causes for encountering problems when trying to open .MSHI files:

    1. File corruption: The .MSHI file may be corrupted or damaged, preventing it from being opened properly.
    2. Incompatible software: You may not have the appropriate software installed on your computer to open .MSHI files. These files are typically associated with specific software, so you need the corresponding program to open them.
    3. Outdated software: If you have the required software installed but it is outdated, it may not be able to open the newer version of the .MSHI file.
    4. Incorrect file association: The .MSHI file may not be associated with the correct program, causing your operating system to be unable to recognize and open it.
    5. Missing file extensions: If the file extension (.MSHI) is missing or has been changed, your computer may not recognize the file type and fail to open it.
    6. Insufficient permissions: If you don't have the necessary permissions to access or open the .MSHI file, you may encounter problems when trying to open it.
    7. Virus or malware infection: If your computer is infected with a virus or malware, it may interfere with the opening of .MSHI files or even corrupt them.
    8. File format compatibility: The .MSHI file may be in a format that is not compatible with the software you are using, resulting in errors when trying to open it.

    To resolve these issues, you can try the following solutions:

    • Check for file corruption and restore a backup if available.
    • Install the appropriate software that can open .MSHI files.
    • Update your software to the latest version.
    • Ensure correct file association by right-clicking the file, selecting "Open With," and choosing the appropriate program.
    • Verify the file extension is correct and hasn't been changed.
    • Make sure you have the necessary permissions to access and open the file.
    • Scan your computer for viruses and malware.
    • Convert the .MSHI file to a compatible format if necessary.
  • Are there any specific troubleshooting steps or solutions available to fix issues with opening .MSHI files?

    If you are experiencing issues with opening .MSHI files, you can try the following troubleshooting steps and solutions:

    1. Verify the file extension: Ensure that the file extension is indeed .MSHI and not a similar-looking extension. Sometimes, file extensions can be mistakenly renamed or misinterpreted.
    2. Use the correct software: .MSHI files are commonly associated with Microsoft Help Index files. Ensure that you have the appropriate software installed on your computer to open these files. In this case, you may need to have Microsoft Help Workshop or a similar program installed.
    3. Update software: If you already have the required software, ensure that it is up to date. Outdated software versions may encounter compatibility issues with certain file types. Check the software developer's website for any available updates or patches.
    4. Try alternative software: If you are unable to open the .MSHI file with the intended software, you can try using alternative programs that are capable of opening this file type. For example, you can try using a text editor like Notepad++ to view the contents of the file.
    5. File corruption: It is possible that the .MSHI file itself is corrupted. In such cases, try obtaining a fresh copy of the file from a trusted source. If you have a backup of the file, try opening that instead.
    6. File conversion: If none of the above steps work, you can attempt to convert the .MSHI file to a different format that is more compatible with the software you have. There are online file conversion tools available that can help you convert the file to a different format.
    7. Seek help from the software developer: If you have tried all the above steps and are still unable to open the .MSHI file, it may be beneficial to reach out to the software developer or the official support channels for further assistance. They may be able to provide specific guidance or solutions related to their software.

    Remember to exercise caution when downloading or opening files from unknown or untrusted sources, as they may contain malware or other security risks.

  • Are there any alternative file formats or methods that can be used to open .MSHI files if the problem persists?

    If you are unable to open .MSHI files using the default program or software, you can try the following alternatives:

    1. Change the file extension: Sometimes, the file extension may be incorrect or unrecognized. You can try changing the file extension from .MSHI to a more common format like .TXT or .CSV. Then, try opening the file with a text editor or spreadsheet software.
    2. Use a universal file viewer: There are several universal file viewers available that can open a wide range of file formats. Examples include File Viewer Plus, Free File Viewer, and File Magic. These viewers can often open files with unknown or uncommon extensions.
    3. Convert the file: If you have access to the program that created the .MSHI file, you can try converting it to a more widely supported format. For example, if the .MSHI file was created in Microsoft Excel, you can save it as a .CSV or .XLSX file, which can be opened by various spreadsheet software.
    4. Contact the file creator or source: If the .MSHI file was sent to you by someone else or obtained from a specific software or device, it is worth reaching out to the creator or source for assistance. They might be able to provide guidance or suggest compatible software to open the file.

    Remember to exercise caution when opening files from unknown or untrusted sources, as they may contain malware or other security risks.

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