FTS File – What is .fts file and how to open it?

File Structure and Content of FTS Files

FTS files are specifically designed to store full-text search indexes for Windows Help (.HLP) files. They contain a structured database of all the text content found within the corresponding HLP file, including text from topics, keywords, and other searchable content. The indexing process in FTS files is performed using a specialized algorithm that tokenizes and categorizes the text, allowing for efficient search operations and instant results.

Usage and Compatibility

FTS files are primarily leveraged by the Windows Help system to provide fast and comprehensive search capabilities within HLP files. When a user performs a search within a HLP file, Windows Help automatically consults the associated FTS file to quickly locate and retrieve the relevant information. This indexing mechanism significantly enhances the search experience by eliminating the need to manually scan through large HLP files, saving time and effort for users.

However, it’s important to note that FTS files are only compatible with HLP files and are not universally supported by other applications or operating systems. If a HLP file is edited or modified, the corresponding FTS file must be updated accordingly to maintain the accuracy of the search index.

Opening FTS Files in Windows

FTS files are associated with Windows Help Full Text Search Index, an index file used by the Windows Help system to speed up searches for help content. To open an FTS file in Windows, you can use the following steps:

1. Right-click on the FTS file and choose “Open With.”
2. Select “Microsoft Help Viewer” from the list of programs.
3. If Microsoft Help Viewer is not listed, browse for it in your computer’s Program Files directory.

Once the FTS file is open in Microsoft Help Viewer, you can use the search bar to find specific information in the help content. You can also navigate the help content using the table of contents or the index.

Alternative Ways to Open FTS Files

If you do not have Microsoft Help Viewer installed, there are alternative ways to open FTS files. One option is to use a free software program called FTS Viewer. This program allows you to open and view FTS files without the need for Microsoft Help Viewer.

Another option is to convert the FTS file to a different format, such as HTML or PDF. This can be done using a variety of online file conversion services. Once the FTS file is converted, you can open it in any web browser or PDF viewer.

FTS File Format

The FTS file format is a proprietary index file used by Microsoft Windows for full-text search functionality. It contains metadata and references to text content stored in separate files, allowing for efficient search operations within large document collections. FTS files are generated automatically when the Windows indexing service crawls and indexes content from the computer’s hard drive or network locations.

Usage and Benefits

FTS files play a crucial role in facilitating rapid and precise search results within Windows applications, such as File Explorer, Cortana, and Microsoft Word. They store information such as word frequency, document location, and other relevant factors, enabling the indexing service to quickly identify and present relevant search results based on the user’s query. FTS files significantly improve search performance compared to traditional linear scanning techniques, especially when working with large datasets. They also support advanced search features like proximity search, phrase search, and fuzzy matching, providing users with a comprehensive and user-friendly search experience.

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