What in the World is this File Extension?

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You just received an email with an attachment from a colleague and it simply won’t open. How do you know what it is? Once you know what it is, how do you open it? With thousands, perhaps hundreds of thousands, of file extensions out there (and new ones being developed all the time), it’s impossible to know them all. Even if you did know them all, it’s unlikely that you’d equip your computer to handle each one. So, what do you do with the mysterious file that you just received? Delete it? Beg your colleague to convert it? Download a program? Let’s take a look at some of the options.

Deleting Unknown Files with Strange File Extensions
Deleting the file may be a good strategy – if you received it from a stranger or suspect that it is most likely malicious. First, you’ll need to use your judgment as far as whether or not the file is legitimate. For example, did the sender call you beforehand telling you to be on the lookout for an important file? If so, then the file is most likely safe. On the other hand, do you know who is sending the file? Does the accompanying text make sense? If you aren’t expecting a file and if the message is generic, the attachment could be malicious. Even attachments from well meaning friends can be malicious such as funny programs they’ve found on the Internet. When in doubt, delete.

Ask the Sender to Send in a Different Format
Another option is to ask the sender if the file is available in a more universal format, and if so, ask that it be resent in a format that your computer can handle. For example, if the attachment has the .docx file extension (which indicates a Word 2007 document) and your computer cannot open it, it’s possible for the sender to save the file in a .doc (Word 2003 and earlier) or .txt format instead.

Researching File Extensions
If you don’t want to bother the sender, such as when the sender is an important customer, you might want to do a little research on your own. Many online file extension libraries will tell you exactly what a file extension is and which programs are used to open it. You may even have an appropriate program on your computer but you won’t know until you use a file extension library. If you do not have the right program, you can use the knowledge that you learned about the extension to search for a program, converter, or download.

File Extension Tools
Depending on the file type, you may be able to use an online converter to convert the file from its current form to a new format that your computer is equipped to handle. Software, such as FileCure from ParetoLogic, is also available that combines the information you’d receive from a file extension library with a database that points you in the right direction for opening the file. For example, the software will tell you what program a file needs as well as where to go to get it.

If you have an unknown file and you’re wondering what in the world it is, use your good judgment, communicate with the file’s originator, do a little research, and find the right program for opening it.

Article Source: http://depositarticles.com/

Celeste Stewart writes for Filetonic.com where you’ll find a huge File Extension Library and loads of free computer advice. You can even write in and “Ask a Tech Jock” for specific answers to your computer questions.

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