ATR File Extension

What is ATR file?

Files with the ATR extension belong to the category of disk image files.

What do ATR files contain?

The contents of files with the ATR extension are disk images created using the operating system applications of Atari computers. They come from the 1970s and 1980s and are now a relic of the past, but are well-deservedly respected. by IT geeks. ATR files contained disk images with a size of 720 or 1440 sectors, which corresponded to the capacity of floppy disks - the only portable data carriers at that time. Standard 3.5-inch models had capacities of 720k or 1.44 MB, which was sufficient to store software installation versions or the contents of Atari computers' hard drives.

What is a disk image?

A disk image, stored e.g. in a file with the ATR extension, is a very accurate copy of the data. What distinguishes it from an ordinary backup is that the content of ATR files contains, in addition to ordinary data, also information about their organization on the hard drive. Thanks to this, using dedicated software, you can restore exact copies of disks from ATR files, including the contents of sectors normally inaccessible to the user. Files with the ATR extension were used both to transfer installation versions between individual machines and to archive user data, such as first computer games or text files.

Programs which support ATR file extension

Programs that can handle ATR files are as follows. ATR files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

Updated: 03/21/2024

How to open file with ATR extension?

Problems with accessing ATR may be due to various reasons. What is important, all common issues related to files with ATR 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. Install PC Xformer Classic software

Problems with opening and working with ATR files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with ATR files being present on your machine. This issue can be addressed by downloading and installing PC Xformer Classic or different compatible program, such as SIO2PC, ZipZag. On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. One of the most risk-free method of downloading software is using links provided by official distributors. Visit PC Xformer Classic website and download the installer.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of PC Xformer Classic

If the problems with opening ATR files still occur even after installing PC Xformer Classic, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of PC Xformer Classic is available. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. The reason that PC Xformer Classic cannot handle files with ATR 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 PC Xformer Classic.

Step 3. Set the default application to open ATR files to PC Xformer Classic

After installing PC Xformer Classic (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open ATR files. 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 ATR file
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• Finally select Look for another app on this PC, point to the folder where PC Xformer Classic is installed, check the Always use this app to open ATR files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• Right-click the ATR file and select Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• Select PC Xformer Classic and click Change for all...
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with ATR extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

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

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the ATR file is valid. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.

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

Should it happed that the ATR is infected with a virus, this may be that cause that prevents you from accessing it. It is advised to scan the system for viruses and malware as soon as possible or use an online antivirus scanner. If the ATR file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

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

Did you receive the ATR 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 ATR 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. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the Atari Disk Image file again.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run PC Xformer Classic

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

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 Atari Disk Image files. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with ATR files affecting older versions of given software.

Do you want to help?

If you have additional information about the ATR 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 ATR file.