ASP File Extension

What is ASP file?

Files with .ASP extension store Microsoft Active Server Pages web page source code scripts. ASP is plain text file and thus can be opened using any text editor or a web browser. ASP files can contain:

• HTML code snippets that that constitute web page source code,
• VBScript, PerlScript or JavaScript code placed inside <% and %> markers,
• Attribute definitions and their values, instructions.

ASP files are processed server-side for IIS upon client request. ASP file is processed and the result code is sent to the client (browser). In contrast to HTML websites, which are downloaded by the browser and displayed, Active Server Pages web pages must be processes by ASP engine before being sent to the client’s web browser. Although the generated page is a HTML code, it is sent to client as a file with ASP extension. If the request sent by the client’s web browser to access given website results in downloading of a ASP file along with the underlying script it is usually caused by server error (either hardware- or software-related).

First ASP components were developed in 1996, and a year later ASP 2.0 was released. In 2000 the third version, designated ASP 3.0, was presented to the public. ASP is the first dynamic web page generation technology developed by Microsoft. It was conceived as a add-on to IIS (Internet Information Services) technology for Windows NT. ASP technology is considered obsolete by today’s standards, and has been replaced with ASP.NET solution introduced by Microsoft in 2002; ASP.NET uses ASPX filename extension. However, some applications still use it, even those developed using ASP.NET. Microsoft declares full support for ASP on its Windows 7 (till 2020) and Windows 8 (for 10 years since its debut) line of products.

Programs which support ASP file extension

Below you will find an index of software programs that can be used to open ASP files divided into 4 categories according to system platform supported. Files with ASP 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: 02/21/2022

How to open file with ASP extension?

Being unable to open files with ASP extension can be have various origins. What is important, all common issues related to files with ASP extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.

Step 1. Get the Web browser

Problems with opening and working with ASP files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with ASP files being present on your machine. This one is an easy one. Select Web browser or one of the recommended programs (for example, Text editor, Adobe Fireworks, Microsoft Visual Studio) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. The safest method of downloading Web browser installed is by going to developer’s website () and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Check the version of Web browser and update if needed

If you already have Web browser installed on your systems and ASP files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. The reason that Web browser cannot handle files with ASP may be that the software is outdated. The most recent version of Web browser is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Assign Web browser to ASP files

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate ASP files with latest version of Web browser you have installed on your device. The next step should pose no problems. The procedure is straightforward and largely system-independent

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Clicking the ASP with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
• Next, select the Choose another app option and then using More apps open the list of available applications
• Finally select Look for another app on this PC, point to the folder where Web browser is installed, check the Always use this app to open ASP files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected ASP file open the file menu and choose Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• Select Web browser and click Change for all...
• A message window should appear informing that This change will be applied to all files with ASP extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Check the ASP for errors

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the ASP file in question. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

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

If the ASP is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. ASP file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

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

If the ASP file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. 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 ASP file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

3. Check if the user that you are logged as has administrative privileges.

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the Active Server Page file.

4. Check whether your system can handle Web browser

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

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

Latest versions of programs and drivers may help you solve problems with Active Server Page files and ensure security of your device and operating system. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with ASP files affecting older versions of given software.

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