ASC File Extension

What is ASC file?

ASC file contains set of ASCII-encoded characters. It can be a text, as well as type of data unreadable to humans. ASC files can be used by simple applications for storing data. ASC files are also used to store unformatted ASCII text data.

American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) is a character encoding standard that uses 7-bit code and can encode up to 128 characters or instructions. Each number from 0 to 127 encodes a symbol or character, from 95 of which are printable characters. Those are:

• A-Z: upper-case letters of the Latin alphabet,
• a-z: lower-case letter of the Latin alphabet,
• 0-9: digits,
• Operators and brackets,
• Punctuation marks,
• Special characters.

Most control characters are outdated as they were used by teleprinters. Most modern encoding systems are derived from ASCII system, including UTF-8, which replaced it as the standard encoding for the internet in 2008.

ASC does not have the capability to encode diacritical or special characters beyond those used in basic American English. ASCII encoding history goes back 1960s and the telegraph code from which it was derived, and as such is not sufficent for the needs of the internet and computer users. However, ASC files are still used for storing various type of data, keys, email singatures, or for creating ASCII-ART projects, which are images created using only ASCII characters.

Programs which support ASC file extension

Below you will find an index of software programs that can be used to open ASC files divided into 3 categories according to system platform supported. Files with ASC 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: 12/02/2019

How to open file with ASC extension?

Being unable to open files with ASC extension can be have various origins. Fortunately, most common problems with ASC files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with ASC files.

Step 1. Download and install NotePad++ text editor

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports ASC files installed on the system. This issue can be addressed by downloading and installing NotePad++ text editor or different compatible program, such as TextEdit, gedit, Windows Notepad. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. The safest method of downloading NotePad++ text editor installed is by going to developer’s website (Notepad++ Team) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Check the version of NotePad++ text editor and update if needed

If the problems with opening ASC files still occur even after installing NotePad++ text editor, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of NotePad++ text editor is available. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. This can be one of the causes why ASC files are not compatible with NotePad++ text editor. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using NotePad++ text editor.

Step 3. Associate ASCII Text Format files with NotePad++ text editor

If you have the latest version of NotePad++ text editor installed and the problem persists, select it as the default program to be used to manage ASC 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 ASC file
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• To finalize the process, select Look for another app on this PC entry and using the file explorer select the NotePad++ text editor installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open ASC files box and clicking OK button.

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected ASC file open the file menu and choose 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 ASC extension message should pop-up. Click Continue button in order to confirm your choice.

Step 4. Check the ASC for errors

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the ASC file in question. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

1. Check the ASC file for viruses or malware

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the ASC file hinders attempts to open it. Scan the ASC file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the scanner detected that the ASC file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

2. Ensure the file with ASC extension is complete and error-free

Did you receive the ASC 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. If the ASC file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

3. Ensure that you have appropriate access rights

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Log in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.

4. Check whether your system can handle NotePad++ text editor

The operating systems may note enough free resources to run the application that support ASC files. Close all running programs and try opening the ASC file.

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 ASCII Text Format files and ensure security of your device and operating system. It may be the case that the ASC files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

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