.AS4 File Type
File extension: AS4 or .as4
Author of the .as4 file extension: IBM / AskSam Systems
Category: System files / Web files
Programs that use the .as4 file type: IBM AS/400 Client / SurfSaver
Explanation of .as4 file extensions:
The .as4 file extension is used for two different purposes. IBM offers several enterprise systems and servers for businesses. AS/400 is one of the earlier systems offered.
SurfSaver is a program used to download, store, and organize Web pages on your local computer. Files saved with the AS4 file extension represent files saved using the AskSam 4 engine. Versions 2.0, 2.1, and 2.2 all save files using the AS4 file extension.
Typical problems associated with the .as4 file extension:
One of the most common problems with .as4 files from IBM’s AS/400 involves printing. Many of the restrictions native to AS/400 affect the way print jobs are handled. For example, fonts may be compressed or printing may be slow.
For Surfsaver related AS4 files, typical problems involve trying to open older AS4 files when using the newer AskSam 5 engine. When opening AS4 files in the newer versions of SurfSaver, they are converted to the new format which is not compatible with Ask Sam 4. Occasionally, a user will be happy with the earlier version but curious about the new version. SurfSaver has a free trial that users can download before upgrading. However, if the user decides he does not want to upgrade he may find that he can no longer open his original AS4 files if he opened them in the trial software.
Another common .as4 problem occurs when the Windows registry contains invalid instructions or has had references to .as4 files removed by spyware or other processes.
Solutions/Recommendations:
Many third party programs are available to enhance printing for the AS/400 series such as RPM Remote Print Manager and ExcelliPrint.
If you have tried the SurfSaver upgrade and opened AS4 files during the trial period, you may find that you can no longer open them in your earlier version. There’s a workaround for this. Go to the directory where your SurfSaver archives are stored. You should see one version of the file with the .ASK file extension and another with the .AS4 file extension which is a backup that the new software created. The new .ASK file needs to be deleted and then the .AS4 file needs to be renamed to have the .ASK file extension.
Associated links:
AS/400 Printing Tips - http://www.as400tcpipprinting.com/as400-solutions.html
SurfSaver - http://www.surfsaver.com/products.asp
fileextensiontype.com