COM File Extension

What is COM file?

A .COM file format is a simple executable file. Earlier in the computing times, the .COM extension was utilized as a file format for the text files that comprised of commands that are to be issued to the OS. With the advancement in the computer systems, the type of files that have been generally associated with the .COM file format changed to that of the executable files. This rule was then carried out to the MS-DOS systems. Even while complemented by the more generalized .exe formats for executables files, for the compact .COM extensions remain practical and generally used in the MS-DOS Operating systems.

The .COM extension has simply no connection with the .com superior level Internet domain name. On the other hand, this correspondence in the name of these files have been very much exploited by numerous wicked virus writers and hackers.

Programs which support COM file extension

Below you will find an index of software programs that can be used to open COM files divided into 2 categories according to system platform supported. Files with COM 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: 06/19/2020

How to open file with COM extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening COM files on given system. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to DOS Command Format files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with COM files.

Step 1. Download and install Microsoft Windows

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening COM files is that no program that can handle COM files is installed on user’s system. This issue can be addressed by downloading and installing Microsoft Windows or different compatible program, such as Parallels Desktop, FixExec. On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. The safest method of downloading Microsoft Windows installed is by going to developer’s website (Microsoft Corporation) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Update Microsoft Windows to the latest version

If you already have Microsoft Windows installed on your systems and COM 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 COM files are not compatible with Microsoft Windows. The most recent version of Microsoft Windows is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Associate DOS Command Format files with Microsoft Windows

If you have the latest version of Microsoft Windows installed and the problem persists, select it as the default program to be used to manage COM on your device. 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

• Clicking the COM with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the 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 Microsoft Windows is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open COM files and clicking OK.

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with COM extension, select Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• From the list choose the appropriate program and confirm by clicking Change for all....
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with COM extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Check the COM for errors

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

1. Check the COM file for viruses or malware

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the COM file hinders attempts to open it. Scan the COM file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the COM file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

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

If the COM file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. 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 COM extension was interrupted and the file data is defective. Download the file again from the same source.

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 DOS Command Format file again.

4. Check whether your system can handle Microsoft Windows

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

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

Latest versions of programs and drivers may help you solve problems with DOS Command Format files and ensure security of your device and operating system. It may be the case that the COM files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

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