MPX File – What is .mpx file and how to open it?

FoxPro Compiled Program Menu (MPX)

MPX files are compiled program menus created using Microsoft FoxPro, a database management system (DBMS). They contain compiled FoxPro code and serve as a menu interface for executing various programs within the FoxPro environment. MPX files allow users to organize and access FoxPro programs, scripts, and forms from a centralized menu, providing a user-friendly and efficient way to navigate and run applications.

MPX files are text-based and can be edited using a text editor or within the FoxPro development environment. They typically include code that defines the menu structure, including menu options, submenus, and associated commands. When an MPX file is executed, it loads the menu into memory and allows users to navigate through the menu options using keyboard commands or a mouse. Selecting a menu option executes the corresponding FoxPro program or command, enabling users to perform various tasks such as opening databases, running reports, or executing custom scripts.

Opening an MPX File in Visual FoxPro

MPX files, containing FoxPro Compiled Program Menus, are primarily associated with Visual FoxPro, a programming language and database management system developed by Microsoft. To open an MPX file in Visual FoxPro:

• Run Visual FoxPro: Launch Visual FoxPro on your computer.
• Create a New Project: Click on “File” and select “New Project.”
• Import Program Menu: Click on the “File” menu again and choose “Import.” Navigate to the location of the MPX file and select it. Click “Open” to import the menu into the current project.

After importing the MPX file, the program menu will be displayed in the “Menus” window. You can now view, edit, and execute the program menu items.

Alternate Method Using Text Editor

If you do not have access to Visual FoxPro, you can open MPX files as plain text in a text editor such as Notepad or Sublime Text. However, this method only allows you to view the source code of the menu and not execute the program commands.

• Open Text Editor: Launch your preferred text editor.
• Open MPX File: Click on “File” and select “Open.” Navigate to the location of the MPX file and select it. Click “Open” to load the file into the editor.

The text editor will display the contents of the MPX file in its raw form, including the menu structure, commands, and other information. You can review the source code but not run the program menu itself.

File Format Overview:

The .MPX file extension denotes FoxPro Compiled Program Menu files, a proprietary format created by Microsoft for use with their now-discontinued FoxPro database management software. These files contain compiled menu programs, which provide a user-friendly graphical interface for accessing and executing various FoxPro commands and applications. MPX files are designed to simplify data management tasks by organizing and presenting menu options in a structured and easy-to-navigate manner.

Technical Details:

Internally, MPX files employ a binary file format that stores program code, screen definitions, and menu structures. The compiled nature of these files allows for faster execution and improved performance compared to interpreted code. MPX files often reference external files, such as data tables, forms, and reports, which are linked within the compiled program. To open and utilize MPX files, users must have access to FoxPro or compatible software that supports the format. Due to FoxPro’s discontinuation, support for .MPX files has gradually diminished, and they may require specialized software or emulation environments to operate in modern computing systems.

Other Extensions