BM File Extension

What is BM file?

BM is a file extension commonly associated with X Windows System Bitmap Image files. BM files are supported by software applications available for devices running Windows. BM file format, along with 524 other file formats, belongs to the Graphic Files category. The most popular software that supports BM files is XnView. XnView software was developed by Pierre-Emmanuel Gougelet, and on its official website you may find more information about BM files or the XnView software program.

Programs which support BM file extension

Below is a table that list programs that support BM files. Files with BM 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.

How to open file with BM extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening BM files on given system. Fortunately, most common problems with BM 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 BM files.

Step 1. Install XnView software

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening BM files is that no program that can handle BM files is installed on user’s system. The solution to this problem is very simple. Download XnView and install it on your device. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. One of the most risk-free method of downloading software is using links provided by official distributors. Visit XnView website and download the installer.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of XnView

If you already have XnView installed on your systems and BM files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. The reason that XnView cannot handle files with BM may be that the software is outdated.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 XnView.

Step 3. Assign XnView to BM files

After installing XnView (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open BM files. The process of associating file formats with default application may differ in details depending on platform, but the basic procedure is very similar.

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Clicking the BM 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
• To finalize the process, select Look for another app on this PC entry and using the file explorer select the XnView installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open BM files box and clicking OK button.

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected BM file open the file menu and choose Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• Select the appropriate software and save your settings by clicking Change all
• A message window should appear informing that This change will be applied to all files with BM extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Check the BM for errors

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the BM file is valid. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

1. Verify that the BM in question is not infected with a computer virus

Should it happed that the BM is infected with a virus, this may be that cause that prevents you from accessing it. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. BM file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

If you obtained the problematic BM file from a third party, ask them to supply you with another copy. 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. When downloading the file with BM extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

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. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the X Windows System Bitmap Image file again.

4. Check whether your system can handle XnView

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

5. Verify that your operating system and drivers are up to date

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with X Windows System Bitmap Image file. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with BM files affecting older versions of given software.

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