The file extension ZABW identifies documents of the word processor AbiWord in the proprietary format of the application, which have been compressed using the GZIP method. These files may contain text, formatting, fonts, images, tables, and graphics. The file format is based on XML.
These files are also less commonly used with the ending gabw or abw.Gz.
Most often resolving problems with opening ZABW files is very simple. Just install an appropriate program that supports such files. All of the listed programs support ZABW files, but may vary in offered function and purpose. Some programs may be capable only of viewing contents of ZABW files or offer file conversion options, but may not be capable of editing such files.
It is possible that although a compatible program has been installed on user’s system, it is not used by the system to open it. This may happen because no default application was associated with this type of files. To associate ZABW files with given application, select "Open with" from drop-down menu (accessed by right-clicking on the file). Then select from the list the program or application you want to be used to open this type of file. If the AbiWord applications is not on the list, select "Browse" option in order to manually locate the directory where AbiWord has been installed.
Sometimes problems with opening ZABW files may not lie with the application itself, but can arise due to other causes, such as: