Windows File Extensions
Your computer is filled with an alphabet soup of file extensions with strange names such as .dll, .m4a, .dcox, .widget, .bup, and .class just to name a few. In fact, the number of file extensions out there is mind-boggling. Just what exactly do these extensions mean and what are they for?First, programs are made up of files. For example, if you look in the Program Files section of your computer and select the folder for Microsoft Office, you will see hundreds of related files - all with various file extensions such as .dll and .exe.
In addition to program files, your computer has system files which are usually hidden by default. These are files that your operating system needs in order to run properly. Some of these files are editable allowing users to customize certain system settings. However, minor keyboarding mistakes could lead to disastrous results. If in doubt, do not open or change system files.
Another type of file is a data file. This is where information that you enter is stored. For example, if you use Microsoft Money for your banking, all of your account information and transactions will be stored in a data file.
Documents that you create and save also come with a variety of file extensions such as .doc for Microsoft Word files and .xls for Excel files. To make it even more confusing, different versions of the same software applications often use different file extensions.
No matter which type of file you are dealing with, you will need the right program to open it. For example, if you send a Word .doc file to someone who doesn't have Word or a compatible program, they will not be able to open it. Even within the same software family, file extensions vary. The default file extension type for Microsoft Word 2007 has been changed to .docx which means if you send a Word 2007 .docx file to someone with Word 2003, they won't be able to read it unless they update their software.
Even if you have the appropriate software for opening specific file types, sometimes the operating system doesn't know which program to use. Windows keeps a list of file associations so that it knows which program to use for which file extension. Sometimes corruption within the Windows registry affects file associations and confuses Windows. Other times, Windows may not automatically recognize the file type and you will need to manually create a file association.
Sometimes you'll have problems with file extensions even when everything else is in place. For example, you may have the correct version of Word installed on your computer and Windows may have the appropriate file association set up but the .doc still won't open. This could be due to corruption, computer viruses, spyware, or a bad sector on your hard drive.
When a bad sector on the hard drive is the culprit, you may be able to salvage the file by copying it to a new section of the drive. In addition, running built-in utilities such as the disk error checking utility is a good idea. This utility checks your hard disk for errors and attempts to repair any problems it finds.
Another utility that you can use to keep your files in the best shape is the Windows Defragmenter. As you change, edit, and remove files, they get scattered across the hard drive making it harder for your system to find all the pieces and pull them up promptly. Defragging the hard disk realigns all of your files for faster access and better performance.
It's not a bad idea to keep your software updated with the latest updates, patches, and hotfixes. For example, if you have Microsoft Word 2003, a simple update will allow you to open Word 2007 files. In addition, software developers address known issues with their software and fix them through updates and patches.
When dealing with file extensions, 3rd party software such as registry cleaners, anti-spyware, and anti-virus programs are highly recommended. Together, these three types of utilities can combat problems before they occur and clean up the mess left behind.
File extensions come in all kinds of different configurations, each with its own specific requirements for opening and using.
If all of this sounds confusing, it is. The sheer number of file extension types available - thousands upon thousands of them - makes it hard to know what each file on your computer really is. With that in mind, browse the database of file extensions for details, problems, and solutions related to the file extension that's giving you trouble.
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