Sources of GMW Problems
Common Problems Opening GMW Files
Global Mapper is Not Installed
Double-clicking your GMW file prompts the message "%%os%% Can't Open GMW File". If this is the case, it's usually due to the fact that you do not have Global Mapper for %%os%% installed on your computer. The OS won't know what to do with your GMW file, so double-clicking to load the file doesn't work.
Tip: If you have another software that you know opens GMW files, you can select it by hitting the "Show Apps" button.
Obsolete Version of Global Mapper
Your Global Mapper Workspace file is incompatible with Global Mapper because you might have the wrong version installed. Visit the Blue Marble Geographics website to download (or purchase) the latest version of Global Mapper. This problem is predominately due to having a Global Mapper Workspace file version that was created by a newer version of Global Mapper than what you have installed on your PC.
Tip: You can sometimes get hints about the right program version by right-clicking on the GMW file, selecting "Properties", and looking at the version information.
Summary: In either case, the majority of problems opening GMW files are related to not having the correct software application installed on your computer.
More Causes of Problems Opening GMWs
Errors opening Global Mapper Workspace files can still occur even with the latest Global Mapper software installed on your computer. There can be external issues inside of %%os%% that are causing these errors when opening GMWs. Other contributing causes:
- Windows Registry GMW file paths that are incorrect
- The GMW file description within the Windows Registry was removed
- Partial installation of Global Mapper that did not fully complete
- Something has caused file corruption of your GMW
- Malware-tainted GMW file can't be opened
- Device drivers for GMW-related hardware are out-of-date
- Your PC doesn’t have enough available resources to open the Global Mapper Workspace file
Poll: How many different computer files (eg. documents, videos, audio) do you typically view or edit on a daily basis?