ASCII File Extension

What is ASCII file?

ASCII filename suffix is mostly used for ASCII Text Format files. ASCII files are supported by software applications available for devices running Linux, Mac OS, Windows. Files with ASCII extension are categorized as Text Files files. The Text Files subset comprises 440 various file formats. The most popular program for handling ASCII files is Text editor, but users can choose among 8 different programs that support this file format.

Programs which support ASCII file extension

The list that follows enumerates programs compatible with ASCII files, divided into 3 categories based on operating system on which they are available. ASCII files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

How to open file with ASCII extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening ASCII files on given system. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to ASCII Text Format files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.

Step 1. Get the Text editor

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports ASCII files installed on the system. The most obvious solution is to download and install Text editor or one to the listed programs: Windows Notepad, Nvu, NotePad++ text editor. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support ASCII files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. If you want to download Text editor installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Check the version of Text editor and update if needed

If the problems with opening ASCII files still occur even after installing Text editor, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software.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

Step 3. Associate ASCII Text Format files with Text editor

If you have the latest version of Text editor installed and the problem persists, select it as the default program to be used to manage ASCII on your device. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

Change the default application in Windows

• Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the ASCII 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 Text editor installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open ASCII files box and clicking OK button.

Change the default application in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected ASCII file open the file menu and choose Information
• Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
• Select Text editor and click Change for all...
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with ASCII extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

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

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

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

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the ASCII file hinders attempts to open it. It is advised to scan the system for viruses and malware as soon as possible or use an online antivirus scanner. ASCII file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

Did you receive the ASCII file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. When downloading the file with ASCII extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

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. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run Text editor

If the systems has insufficient resources to open ASCII files, try closing all currently running applications and try again.

5. Ensure that you have the latest drivers and system updates and patches installed

Regularly updated system, drivers, and programs keep your computer secure. This may also prevent problems with ASCII Text Format files. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with ASCII files affecting older versions of given software.

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