VDF File Complications
Typical VDF Opening Challenges
Microsoft Notepad Isn't There
You encounter an error message such as "%%os%% Can't Open VDF Files" when trying to open your VDF. Generally, this is experienced in %%os%% because Microsoft Notepad isn't installed on your PC. The OS won't know what to do with your VDF file, so double-clicking to load the file doesn't work.
Tip: Another VDF-related program can be selected to open the file by clicking "Show Apps" and finding the application.
Obsolete Version of Microsoft Notepad
Sometimes your installed version of Microsoft Notepad won't support your Valve Data File file. Installing the latest version of Microsoft Notepad from Microsoft Corporation is recommended. This problem is predominately due to having a Valve Data File file version that was created by a newer version of Microsoft Notepad than what you have installed on your PC.
Tip: Investigate your VDF file by right-clicking and selecting "Properties" to find clues on what version you need.
Regardless, most of the VDF file opening problems relate to not having the right version of Microsoft Notepad installed.
Additional VDF Opening Issues
Although you might already have Microsoft Notepad or another VDF-associated software installed on your computer, you can still encounter problems opening Valve Data File files. If you're still experiencing problems opening VDF files, there could be other computer problems. Problems unrelated to software:
- Invalid VDF file references in the Windows Registry (the "phonebook" of the Windows Operating System)
- Corruption of the VDF file description inside the Registry
- Corrupt install of Microsoft Notepad or other VDF-related program
- Something has caused file corruption of your VDF
- Your VDF has adversely impacted by malware
- Hardware related to VDFs has device driver corruption
- Windows has inadequate resources to open your Valve Data File file
Quiz: Which of these is considered a vector image file?
That's Correct!
The unique thing about vector files such as AI and EPS is that graphic details (eg. sizes and shapes of objects) and text remains editable. This allows you can save and re-open them in Illustrator and edit text or other elements within the graphic.
Close, but not quite...
The unique thing about vector files such as AI and EPS is that graphic details (eg. sizes and shapes of objects) and text remains editable. This allows you can save and re-open them in Illustrator and edit text or other elements within the graphic.
Poll: Where do you mostly deal with computer files?