When you have an unknown file type that can be frustrating if not knowing how to open it. Whether it is a file you received in an email, downloaded from the internet or found on your computer — knowing how to safely and effectively open unknown files types are essential. How to Find, Open, and Deal With Unknown Files If some file is unknown for your computer system then how you will open that file?
What is an Unknown File Type?
Unknown files are a problem when you try to open them in the first place, because if there is no program for automatically opening it (just by double-clicking), then these. This occurs when the file is in an unknown format or Lacking File Extension,, and also if you do not have that program which supports-shared-modal img load-) installed on your Computer. Locating and opening them requires a little bit of digging, but it is an easy task to do so right way.
Find out the extension of that file.
While we do not yet have the description of the ISI file format and what it is normally used for, we do know which programs are known to open these files. A file extension is a suffix at the end of a filename (e.g.,.TEX ), but instead it consist usually three or four letters in length. pdf,. docx,. jpg). In that case, you may look at which file extension it holds.
Take a Gander at the File Name: Examine file names to determine whether they are suffixed or not. If the extension is visible (eg document. The first thing to notice is the extension(. txt) itself, it already provides you with a hint as to what type of file this could be.
Turn on File Extensions in Windows
Open File Explorer.
Go to the “View” tab.
Then, check the box that says “File name extensions” to show all of your file extension.
View contents of a file on a Mac:
Now right click on the file and choose “Get Info”,
You should see a section with the heading Kind and that will give you, You the File Type.
Also Read: How to Find the File Extension
Once you know the extension, do a little research to find out what program is used to open it. Here are a few ideas for how you can accomplish this:
Search: Put the file extension into a search engine plus “file extension” (i.e..PDF as in “PDF file extension”). This will tell you what the file is and which programs can open it.
File Extension Database: Websites of FileInfo. com and File-Extensions. org contain extensive databases that allow you to look up file extensions or browse the software which help you open files with unknown extension.
Verify the Source: In case you have received this file from your friends/family, contact them to know what program they used in creating it. This will not only save time, but ensure you use the right app.
Open the File Using Appropriate Program
The software part: a form of multimedia file and how you should try to open it. Here’s how:
Obtain Necessary Software — Download and install any software that is needed, if you do not have it already. For example, a. The.vsd needs Microsoft Visual Studio or any other software that supports did kind of file (e.g.: Libre Office). The same goes for the.docx, which would be needed something from libre office other word processors capable to read this format.
Use File Conversion Tools: If you can’t launch the file in any of your regular software, then take into account using a conversion tool similar to Zamfara or Online-Convert. This will also include tools for converting the file to a more human-readable format, such as a. hemic image file to. jpg).
Use a Universal File Viewer: Programs like File Viewer Plus (Windows) or VLC Media Player are capable of opening various types of files. If you do not know which program to utilize, a global viewer may be another option and often the first choice.
Secure Your Device And information
If you happen to stumble across files that are of an unknown file type, it is essential for your safety since some random files might just contain malware or viruses. Protect Yourself Here are some tips to keeping your device safe:
Scan the File for Viruses : Another important point is before you open an unknown file, always do a virus scan using your antivirus software. This is important, of course if file downloaded from web or you got it without knowing the source etc.
Update your Software: Make sure you have updated operating system and antivirus software. This reduces much of the risk to have attack surface areas or weaknesses exposed.
Protect Your Data: Back your files to an external drive or cloud storage regularly. In case a file was also infected, it helps you restore your data when required.
Change the File Association (If Required)
In case you have met a particular type of file but always wish to open it with something else than the default application, then change its association by;
On Windows:
Then right-click on the file and click “Open with. “.
Select Choose another app and choose the desired program
Click “Always use this app to open. files, click OK.
On Mac:
To update the creation date select “Get Info” in a context menu after right-click on file.
From the “Open with” option, select your preferred program
Click Change All to make the same change for all files of that type.
Wrapping Up: Opening Unknown Files with Confidence
Note: opening files from unknown sources is scary as hell. By completing those steps—identifying the file extension, researching it, using appropriate software to open the file and protecting your device / association—you will be able to process unknown files in a safe manner. Always remember that properly identifying unknown files is as important because it helps you have a safer and smoother computing experience.
