COBOL File Extension

What is COBOL file?

COBOL filename suffix is mostly used for Micro-Focus Cobol Data Format files. COBOL files are supported by software applications available for devices running Windows. Files with COBOL extension are categorized as Developer Files files. The Developer Files subset comprises 1205 various file formats. ACUCOBOL-GT is by far the most used program for working with COBOL files. On the official website of Micro Focus International plc developer not only will you find detailed information about theACUCOBOL-GT software, but also about COBOL and other supported file formats.

Programs which support COBOL file extension

Programs that can handle COBOL files are as follows. Files with COBOL suffix can be copied to any mobile device or system platform, but it may not be possible to open them properly on target system.

Updated: 07/26/2020

How to open file with COBOL extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening COBOL files on given system. What is important, all common issues related to files with COBOL extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. The list below will guide you through the process of addressing the encountered problem.

Step 1. Install ACUCOBOL-GT software

Problems with opening and working with COBOL files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with COBOL files being present on your machine. To address this issue, go to the ACUCOBOL-GT developer website, download the tool, and install it. It is that easy 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 ACUCOBOL-GT website and download the installer.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of ACUCOBOL-GT

If you already have ACUCOBOL-GT installed on your systems and COBOL 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. This can be one of the causes why COBOL files are not compatible with ACUCOBOL-GT. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using ACUCOBOL-GT.

Step 3. Set the default application to open COBOL files to ACUCOBOL-GT

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

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Right-click the COBOL file and choose Open with option
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where ACUCOBOL-GT is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open COBOL files and clicking OK.

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected COBOL 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
• Finally, a This change will be applied to all files with COBOL extension message should pop-up. Click Continue button in order to confirm your choice.

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

You closely followed the steps listed in points 1-3, but the problem is still present? You should check whether the file is a proper COBOL file. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

1. Check the COBOL file for viruses or malware

Should it happed that the COBOL 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. If the scanner detected that the COBOL file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

Did you receive the COBOL file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. It is possible that the file has not been properly copied to a data storage and is incomplete and therefore cannot be opened. It could happen the the download process of file with COBOL extension was interrupted and the file data is defective. Download the file again from the same source.

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

Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Log in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run ACUCOBOL-GT

The operating systems may note enough free resources to run the application that support COBOL files. Close all running programs and try opening the COBOL 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 Micro-Focus Cobol Data Format files. It may be the case that the COBOL files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

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