File Extension Database

Open MAILHOST File

MAILHOST file extension is used by Microsoft MSN Explorer to store user preferences for the email server. The file is in a Microsoft proprietary format and is required in order for MSN to work correctly. You cannot open MAILHOST file and modify the settings directly. The only way to change MAILHOST file is to modify settings from MSN application. The file will usually be named 'MSN#.mailhost', where '#' is the version of MSN. For example the file would be MSN9.mailhost on systems using MSN 9. If this file gets damaged or deleted, the MSN software will display an error message which can be rectified in the following way:

1. From the Start menu, choose Run...

2. Type 'regsvr32 c:\progra~1\msn\msncorefiles\mailui.dll'

This should fix the error and restore the MAILHOST file to a working state.

Another file extension related to this is DOWNLOADHOST, usually only found on the file MSN#.downloadhost. The DOWNLOADHOST file is also installed with MSN software and is partially responsible for checking email and tracking preferences related to downloading files through MSN. If you have a problem with this file the recommended cure is similar to the above and is performed as follows:

1. Select Run... from the Start menu.

2. Type 'regsvr32 c:\progra~1\msn\msncorefiles\msnmetal.dll'

This should restore the DOWNLOADHOST file and enable the MSN software to function properly once again.

These files cannot be opened directly or edited manually as they are simply settings files used by MSN software, the commands above are the only methods available at present for restoring these files to a working state.

There is also usually a file with the extension MSN used to store information on blocked internet hosts and websites. By default this file is located in the WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc directory and is named hosts.msn. This file has been corrupted or damaged by several known malware programs to enforce restrictions on the internet usage of the target computer. In these cases generally rebooting into safe mode and performing a full system scan with anti-malware software will be able to fix it. Once the malware is removed the hosts.msn file can be deleted and replaced with the default hosts file.

How Can I Open MAILHOST File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open MAILHOST file is to find a MAILHOST file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a MAILHOST file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open MAILHOST file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as MAILHOST file opener then try to search online for "MAILHOST viewer", "application to open MAILHOST file" or "open MAILHOST file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open MAILHOST file

How Can I Open MAILHOST File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a MAILHOST file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a MAILHOST file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with MAILHOST file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as MAILHOST file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open MAILHOST file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open MAILHOST file then try to search for "MAILHOST viewer", "application to open MAILHOST file" or "read MAILHOST file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read MAILHOST file

How Can I Open MAILHOST File on Android

If you downloaded a MAILHOST file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded MAILHOST file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "MAILHOST".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "MAILHOST viewer", "MAILHOST file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open MAILHOST File on iPhone or iPad

To open MAILHOST File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the MAILHOST file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "MAILHOST". This way you can find apps which can open MAILHOST files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "MAILHOST viewer" or "MAILHOST file" online in your favorite search engine.