File Extension and Unknown File Types Recommendations

 

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File Extension and Unknown file types: What we recommend
 
Users receive unknown file types from a variety of people, using different sources, and for any of a number of reasons. Some are genuine while others are less so. Viruses can be easily and quickly spread via email as attachments but also through messenger software and through peer to peer file sharing networks. For the most part it is down to the diligence of the individual to ensure that they do not do anything that might put them at greater risk of downloading viruses and other online threats.
 
Genuine files of an unknown type can still cause problems. Finding the appropriate software to either preview or edit the file in question is essential.

While some file types may necessitate the use of just one piece of software for opening and editing, other files can be associated with a vast number of different applications; some free and some commercial.
 
If you have determined that a file is genuine and being sent to you for genuine purposes then you will need to find the right software. Usually, you should be able to find this out from the person or site that you have received the file from. However, if this isn't an option then you will need to do some research into the file extension yourself. The list earlier in this guide includes 50 of the most popular extensions, but there are literally thousands of different ones currently being used and that number is always increasing. The Internet is a vast source of information and will usually give you the information you require with a simple and quick search on the search engines.
 
If you want to ensure that you genuinely require the file then you might want to consider the use of third party file previewing software. Preview software can be used to view an image of files without specifically having to open the source itself. This can also help to prevent infection by viruses, malware, and other threats although some will become active simply by previewing them.
 
Set Windows so that Windows Explorer displays the file type of previously unknown files. Once you have done this and determined the application that is required to open these files you should also set Windows so that it uses the same application whenever you attempt to open files of that type. This process can save time and effort in the long run because Windows will automatically use that application without requesting confirmation and without requesting that you select an application every time.
 
Diligence is vital. Anti virus, anti Spyware, and other digital security software can help to prevent the infection of your system with the majority of viruses and malware. However, some infections can still make it past this level of defence. In these cases you are literally the only protection you have against these threats.

 

 

It may be possible to completely repair the file extension associations in the Windows Registry.

RegCure offers you the ability to detect and repair corrupt registry associations that may lead to file extensions not opening or unknown file types that do not correctly identify the associated program.

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