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How to Open & Repair Unknown File Extensions

The most common way to determine the type of file is by its three-letter extension. The extension will, in most cases, enable you to immediately determine which software application was used to create the file in the first place.

The Windowns Registry contains settings that determine the specific application associated with that individual file extension - which is one key reason why the Registry must be properly taken care of (generally by regular scanning using a reputable registry cleaner) to ensure the ongoing function of your computer.

Every precaution must be taken before opening unknown files even if they were received from a trusted source. Opening unknown files and file extensions always presents the danger of malware or virus infection.

Before opening unknown file extensions ensure you have trusted anti-virus, anti-spyware, spam controls, privacy software, a registry cleaner and trusted data recovery tools activated and protecting your system.

Opening Unknown File Extensions

It is critical to have the correct application correctly installed and associated in the Windows Registry with the file extension in order to decipher the file code and correctly display its contents. Without the correct application or Registry association, the file would be simply a collection of unrelated and unreadable characters. However, It is possible that some unknown file types can be viewed or previewed by some applications but can only be edited by the program that originally created it.

There are circumstances in which an unknown file type can be opened in Notepad or Word Pad in order to give an indication as to what application the file should be associated to. There are also third party applications that claim to be capable of deciphering and opening unknown file types despite the absence of an applicable program from the system.

There are also instances where some file types can be converted to another type either by the use of another software application or simply by renaming the file extension and opening it with the appropriate program. For example, a .TXT file can be changed to a .DOC, or DOCX file and it will be read by the word processing application.

Remember that the goal is to identify the appropriate application used to create the file. Therefore, it is of vital importance that you get an adequate snap shot of the file contents by using any of the aforementioned approaches or by searching the Web for any clues that can lead to identificaton of the appropriate application with which to associate the file.

Forming Associations

It is almost impossible to have an associated application for every available type of file extension with your computer's operating system (there are over 27,000 file extensions), so there will be instances when you will need to manually associate a certain file type with a specific application.

The next step after identifying the right application for the file is to form the associations between the the file extension in the Windows Registry and the software application. The Registry contains thousands of entries on file type association which is why it is important to always keep it organized and error-free by scanning it with a competent registry optimizer and cleaner.

Ensuring new file types are correct associated in the Registry and that existing file associations are maintained will enable the computer operating system to consult the Registry and automatically open the application once the particular file extension is executed.

Be Aware (Beware)

Given that new file types are being created almost daily it is almost certain you will come across a new file type at some point in time that you will not immediately be able to open - especially with growing volume of files exchanged across the Internet every day. When you come accross a new file extension Be Aware!

It is very important to know that each file (new or old) can be a potential security threat to the computer operating system, especially when sent as an email attachment, downloaded from the Internet or retrieved from P2P clients.

It is naïve to think that any computer system is 100 percent secured because there are as many new viruses and malicious codes that crop up each day as there are new file types. Any file extension can be a potential carrier of virus, worm, Trojan or other forms of harmful code, which is why care should always be taken especially with unknown file extension types.

Make sure that all your applications are updated with the latest patches, hotfixes and security updates and you have installed anti-virus software with an updated virus definition database. Observe vigilance in concentrating as much on the contents of the file as with its sender.

Never open a file unless it has been thoroughly scanned unless you have intentions of entertaining viruses, spyware, spam, trojans and malware. Having reputable anti-virus, anti-spyware, spam controls and privacy software are a MUST! A good registry cleaner combined with a trusted data recovery tool will go a long way to ensure there is a good measure of protection for your over all computer system.

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