Opening a BHO File

The BHO file type is primarily associated with Behold.

BHOFile Extension BHO
File extension: BHO
File type:  Settings File

What is a BHO file?

BHO files mostly belong to Behold by Louis Kessler. Behold is genealogy software. Behold has all its organize settings in one tabbed window. It includes setting of what files to load, how to organize the families, the ordering and numbering to use, the GEDCOM tags to include and the text to display for them, and other report options and text definitions to use. You can save these setting into a file with a .BHO extension, called a Behold file. This file does not have the data, but only the links to the data and instructions to Behold on how to present the data. As of 2008, BHO files are in text format and can be viewed with any text editor. They follow an INI-file like structure. The file may or may not include Unicode (2-byte) characters. The file may or may not be saved in binary format in future releases.

How can I open a BHO file?

You need a suitable software like Behold to open a BHO file. You need a suitable software like Behold from Louis Kessler to open a BHO file. Without proper software you will receive a Windows message "How do you want to open this file?" or "Windows cannot open this file" or a similar Mac/iPhone/Android alert. If you cannot open your BHO file correctly, try to right-click or long-press the file. Then click "Open with" and choose an application. You can also display a BHO file directly in the browser:. Just drag the file onto this browser window and drop it.

Online BHO Text Viewer

Choose your .bho file to analyze

Read our privacy guarantee in Filext’s terms and privacy policy

Please allow ads on our site

This helps us keep our servers running. Then re-upload your file to view it.

Click here to see how to disable the ad blocker for filext.com

.BHO File Won't Open? Here is What You Can Do

Because .BHO files originate from various programs, they aren't universally openable.

  1. Identify the Source: If received from a genealogist, it's likely a settings file for Louis Kessler's Behold. Otherwise, it may be a developer's configuration file.
  2. Check the Header: Inspect the first bytes in a text editor or hex viewer:
    • Readable text/XML suggests Behold settings or generic configs.
    • "PK" indicates a renamed ZIP archive.
    • Unreadable binary means it needs specific software.
  3. Use the Original Software: The original program is usually required; try Behold, Notepad++, or ask the sender if uncertain.
  4. Use this Webpage: Drag and drop your file into our viewer to detect the format, extract readable text/metadata, and preview contents.

Technical Data for BHO File Extension

File classification:
Text
Related files:

a bho Settings File is a special file format by Louis Kessler and should only be edited and saved with the appropriate software.

How to solve problems with BHO files

  • Associate the BHO file extension with the correct application.
  • Update your software that should actually open settings files. Because only the current version supports the latest BHO file format. Search, therefore, e.g. on the Louis Kessler manufacturer website after an available Behold update.
  • To make sure that your BHO file is not corrupted or virus-infected, get the file again and scan it with Google's virustotal.com.
  • Click here to open your .BHO file online - secure, fast, and no downloads needed.
Drop here
View another file
BHO file viewer BHO file description