.BZ2 File Type
File extension: BZ2 or .bz2
Author of the .bz2 file extension: Julian Seward
Category: Compressed files
Programs that use the .bz2 file type: BZip2
Explanation of .bz2 file extensions:
The .bz2 file extension represents a file archive that has been compressed using Bzip 2, a file compression program that is often used with Unix systems.
This format uses the Burrows-Wheeler compression algorithm and combines it with Run-Length Encoding to provide for maximum compression. BZ2 files replace the earlier version of files that were created with an earlier version known as BZip, or BunZip.
Typical problems associated with the .bz2 file extension:
One of the most common problems with .bz2 files is opening them. You must have a compatible utility such as BZip2, WinRAR, or Stuffit Expander to open .bz2 files.
Another common .bz2 problem occurs when the Windows registry contains invalid instructions or has had references to .bz2 files removed by spyware or other processes. Further, .bz2 files can contain harmful programs inside the archive.
Solutions/Recommendations:
Download a compatible utility such as BZip2, WinRAR or Stuffit Expander. Before opening any type of file from e-mail or Internet downloads, it’s important to scan them for viruses and malware using both an anti-virus program as well as an anti-spyware utility.
Run a registry cleaner to resolve many common .bz2 errors.
Sometimes your computer may not know which utility to use to unzip this type of file, even if you have a compatible utility installed on your system. In this case, the file association may need to be reset manually. This is easy enough to do. First, go to the Start button and right-click it. Choose Explore which will launch Windows Explorer. Find the .bz2 file that you want to open and right-click it. Now, choose Open With from the submenu. Scroll through the list or browse to the compatible utility. If you want this program to be the default, place a checkmark in the box that asks if you’d like this to be the default application for .bz2 files.
Associated links:
BZip2 - http://www.bzip.org/
fileextensiontype.com