How to open MAI files?

Are you trying to find a way to open a MAI file? Maybe this is your first time to see a file with this file extension and not know what it's for. Generally speaking, people will do the double-click trick to open a file. But what can we do when receiving "Windows cannot open this file" or even a MAI related error? If you're having such a problem opening your file, you have come to the right place.

It will take some time and effort to identify the cause and find the right program to open the file, it's recommended that you use this Automatic File Opener to save your time.

Download MAI File Fixer

General Information about MAI File Extension

Name:	.MAI
File type:	Data Files
Popularity(0-5):	3
Vendor's Name:	Sony Video Thumbnail (Sony Corporation of America)
Recommended:	Download MAI File Fixer

MAI is a kind of file extension that is a type of Data Files used by Sony Video Thumbnail (Sony Corporation of America). But many other types of files may also use MAI file extension. If you know any other type of file format that also uses MAI file extension, we really appreciate if you could share with us.

Popular Reasons Why Windows Cannot Open MAI Files

The conventional way to open a MAI file is just to simply double click the file and Windows will open it with the associated program. Usually, you can easily open your MAI file without any problem. In rare cases, you will receive a dialogue saying "Windows cannot open this file" or MAI related error messages. To open the file properly, you'd better identify the reason why Windows cannot open this file or why you get errors when opening the file. Below are some reasons that may lead to your problem:

This file has been broken and corrupted.
The correct software to open the file is not available or even corrupt on your system.
You haven't set the correct default software to open the file.
The related registry entries of the file association are invalid or corrupt.
The version of the software is not compatible with the file.
There is some virus or malware interfering with opening this file.

How Can You Open MAI Files?

Now you should have a basic idea about why you can't open your file. Now you can follow solutions to open your MAI files:

1. Utilize System Restore utility to restore your system

If you can open MAI files before but you can't after making changes to your system settings, then you can restore you system to an older point when you could open the file. It's good to create a backup for your file data before you restore your system.

2. Associate a file type or protocol with a specific program

If you know a program that can open this file has been installed on your system, you can manually associate the file type with this program. To do so, you can

1. Open Control Panel

For Windows 8 Users

Hold Windows key + X and then click Control panel

For Windows 7 and Vista Users:

Click Start button and click Control Panel

2. Select View by Large Icons and then click Default Programs

3. Then click Associate a file type or protocol with a specific program

4. Click on the file extension you want to associate and then click Change program

5. You can click Browse to browse more programs. After that, click OK to save your change.

3. Update your program version

Some files cannot be opened with the older version of the program. For example, Word 2003 cannot open a Word 2007 document. So you can download and install the latest version of your program to open the file if you know what program can open this file.

4. Repair invalid or corrupt registry entries

The registry stores the file association with programs so that Windows knows how to open a file accordingly. When there is something wrong with the keys, Windows fails to open the file. If you know much about computers, you can manually change the value of the registry entries and associate the program. But if you are not comfortable with this kind of manual repair, it's recommended that you use a registry repair tool to do the job for you.

5. Scan your system for computer malware

Some nasty computer malware could stop you opening certain type of files. For example, rogue antivirus software block all .exe files so that victims can't run legitimate antivirus like Kaspersky. If you also run into such weird problem, you check if this file is safe and get rid of computer malware if any. Click and download this powerful Automatic Virus Removal Tool to check your system.