COB File Extension

What is COB file?

COB is a file extension commonly associated with COBOL Source Code Format files. COB file format is compatible with software that can be installed on Linux, Mac OS, Windows system platform. Files with COB extension are categorized as Developer Files files. The Developer Files subset comprises 1205 various file formats. Users are advised to use NetCOBOL software for managing COB files, although 4 other programs can also handle this type of file.

Programs which support COB file extension

The following list contains programs grouped by 3 operating systems that support COB files. Files with COB 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 COB extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening COB files on given system. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to COBOL Source Code 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. Download and install NetCOBOL

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports COB files installed on the system. This issue can be addressed by downloading and installing NetCOBOL or different compatible program, such as OpenCOBOL, PSPad, COBOL IDE Project. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. If you want to download NetCOBOL installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Check the version of NetCOBOL and update if needed

If the problems with opening COB files still occur even after installing NetCOBOL, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of NetCOBOL is available. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. If you have an older version of NetCOBOL installed, it may not support COB format. The latest version of NetCOBOL should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Associate COBOL Source Code Format files with NetCOBOL

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

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 COB file
• 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 NetCOBOL installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open COB files box and clicking OK button.

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected COB file open the file menu and choose Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• 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 COB extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Verify that the COB is not faulty

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

1. Check the COB file for viruses or malware

If the COB is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. It is advised to scan the system for viruses and malware as soon as possible or use an online antivirus scanner. COB file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

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

If the COB file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. If the COB 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. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the COBOL Source Code Format file again.

4. Check whether your system can handle NetCOBOL

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

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 COBOL Source Code Format file. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with COB files affecting older versions of given software.

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