Errors on a Windows PC come in various forms. One common type of error that often plagues Windows users is file type errors. However, unlike many other computer errors, file type errors are not complex and there is no reason to be afraid of them. With the help of some simple guidelines and the right software, the average computer user can easily resolve file type errors on their own.
In this tutorial, we will discuss the following topics:
- Description of three common file types
- Causes of file type errors
- Steps to resolve file type errors
Three common file types in Windows
- .wps file extension – The .wps file type is used by Microsoft Works, a basic word-processing application.
- .mso file extension – The .mso file type is used by Microsoft Organization Chart, an application used for creating and editing organization charts.
- .cur file extension – A .cur file is also called a Windows Cursor file and is used for storing the mouse pointer design. Users can customize this file to change the appearance of the mouse pointer on their Windows computers.
Causes of file type errors
Generally, file type errors occur due to the following reasons:
- Software that handles the file type is not installed on the computer.
- Malware Infection.
- Registry Errors.
Resolve file type errors
- Install the required software
Different file types open with different programs. For instance, while a .doc file opens with Microsoft Word, an .xls file will open with Microsoft Excel. When the required software is absent, then you are likely to receive a file type error when you try to open a file. For instance, as mentioned above, .wps files are associated with Microsoft Works. In case Microsoft Works is not installed on your computer, you may receive a file type error when you try to open a .wps file. To resolve the issue, you may first try to open the file with other installed programs. To do this, right-click the file and select Open With. Next, select the installed programs one-by-one and see if the file opens. If the file doesn’t open then to view the file, you need to either install the required software or use a file opener software.
- Run a virus scan
If the required software is installed on your computer but you are unable to open the file, then chances are the file in question is infected. Malware programs, if present on your computer may corrupt files, making them unusable. To fix the issue, it is recommended that you first update your anti-virus software with the latest virus definitions and then run a virus scan on your entire computer.
- Run a registry scan
Another common cause of recurring file type errors is a corrupt Windows registry. Information related to your files, such as the name of the program with which a particular file opens is stored in your registry. In case this information is wrong, the Windows operating system may fail to fulfill your request for opening the file and instead return an error. To fix the issue, scan your registry using a professional Windows registry cleaning utility.
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