123 File Extension

What is 123 file?

123 file extension is used by documents created with Lotus 1-2-3 software.

What type of data 123 files store?

Files with 123 extension can contain various types of documents. Lotus 1-2-3 is capable of creating text documents with embedded graphics, spreadsheets, or database files. All documents generated with Lotus 1-2-3 use 123 file extension.

Programs that support 123 format

Lotus 1-2-3 was developed in the early 1980s for MS-DOS. It offered many advanced features that mad it very popular among business users, further establishing Microsoft as the main player on the operating systems market. Lotus 1-2-3 was later replaced by MS Excel, but it can still be downloaded from Microsoft servers. Lotus 1-2-3 was distributed as a part of Windows Lotus SmartSuite office suite.

Programs which support 123 file extension

Below you will find an index of software programs that can be used to open 123 files divided into 4 categories according to system platform supported. Files with 123 extension, just like any other file formats, can be found on any operating system. The files in question may be transferred to other devices, be it mobile or stationary, yet not all systems may be capable of properly handling such files.

Updated: 03/25/2022

How to open file with 123 extension?

Problems with accessing 123 may be due to various reasons. What is important, all common issues related to files with 123 extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with 123 files.

Step 1. Install Lotus 1-2-3 software

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports 123 files installed on the system. The most obvious solution is to download and install Lotus 1-2-3 or one to the listed programs: Apache OpenOffice, WordPerfect Office, Gnumeric. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. The safest method of downloading Lotus 1-2-3 installed is by going to developer’s website (IBM) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Check the version of Lotus 1-2-3 and update if needed

You still cannot access 123 files although Lotus 1-2-3 is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. The reason that Lotus 1-2-3 cannot handle files with 123 may be that the software is outdated. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using Lotus 1-2-3.

Step 3. Associate Lotus 1-2-3 Spreadsheet files with Lotus 1-2-3

If you have the latest version of Lotus 1-2-3 installed and the problem persists, select it as the default program to be used to manage 123 on your device. The process of associating file formats with default application may differ in details depending on platform, but the basic procedure is very similar.

The procedure to change the default program in Windows

• Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the 123 file
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• To finalize the process, select Look for another app on this PC entry and using the file explorer select the Lotus 1-2-3 installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open 123 files box and clicking OK button.

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with 123 extension, select Information
• Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
• From the list choose the appropriate program and confirm by clicking Change for all....
• Finally, a This change will be applied to all files with 123 extension message should pop-up. Click Continue button in order to confirm your choice.

Step 4. Ensure that the 123 file is complete and free of errors

You closely followed the steps listed in points 1-3, but the problem is still present? You should check whether the file is a proper 123 file. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.

1. The 123 may be infected with malware – make sure to scan it with an antivirus tool.

If the 123 is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. Scan the 123 file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. 123 file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

2. Verify that the 123 file’s structure is intact

Did you receive the 123 file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. During the copy process of the file errors may occurred rendering the file incomplete or corrupted. This could be the source of encountered problems with the file. It could happen the the download process of file with 123 extension was interrupted and the file data is defective. Download the file again from the same source.

3. Ensure that you have appropriate access rights

Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Log in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.

4. Check whether your system can handle Lotus 1-2-3

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with 123 extension. In this case close the other applications.

5. Check if you have the latest updates to the operating system and drivers

Latest versions of programs and drivers may help you solve problems with Lotus 1-2-3 Spreadsheet files and ensure security of your device and operating system. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle 123 files.

Do you want to help?

If you have additional information about the 123 file, we will be grateful if you share it with our users. To do this, use the form here and send us your information on 123 file.