.PROTECTED File Type
File extension: PROTECTED or .protected
Author of the .protected file extension: Various
Category: System and application files
Programs that use the .protected file type: Various programs use protected files.
Explanation of .protected file extensions:
The .protected file extension represents a protected file. Files are protected for a variety of reasons including to protect them from accidental overwriting or deletion. In addition, many types of files can be password protected by the users. While not all protected files are marked with the .protected file extension they share many common traits.
Typical problems associated with the .protected file extension:
One of the most common problems with .protected files is opening them. For example, if you want to open a password protected file but do not have the password, you won’t be able to open it (though there are some workarounds to that).
Another problem is when users replace protected operating system files only to find that their replacement didn’t take hold and that original file remains. This is because Windows has built-on protections against replacing protected files.
Solutions/Recommendations:
Since Windows and many applications regularly protect and hide system and application files, most users won’t encounter .protected files. Occasionally, you might need to replace a protected file such as a DLL. The Windows File Protection system offers several ways to replace protected system files: Windows Service Packs, Hotfixes, Operating System upgrades, and Windows Update. If you must replace a Windows system protected file, your best bet is to use the approved process otherwise Windows will replace the new file with the original stored file.
Associated links:
The Windows File Protection System Information - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/222193
Opening protected files in FileMaker Pro9 - http://www.filemaker.com/help/09-Passwords30.html
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