DACPAC File Extension

What is DACPAC file?

DACPAC filename suffix is mostly used for SQL Server Data Tier Application Package files. SQL Server Data Tier Application Package specification was created by Microsoft. DACPAC files are supported by software applications available for devices running Windows. DACPAC file belongs to the Database Files category just like 403 other filename extensions listed in our database. The most popular program for handling DACPAC files is Microsoft SQL Server 2012, but users can choose among 1 different programs that support this file format.

Programs which support DACPAC file extension

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

How to open file with DACPAC extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening DACPAC files on given system. What is important, all common issues related to files with DACPAC 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 Microsoft SQL Server 2012 software

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports DACPAC files installed on the system. The most obvious solution is to download and install Microsoft SQL Server 2012 or one to the listed programs: Microsoft Visual Studio. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. If you want to download Microsoft SQL Server 2012 installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Check the version of Microsoft SQL Server 2012 and update if needed

If the problems with opening DACPAC files still occur even after installing Microsoft SQL Server 2012, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of Microsoft SQL Server 2012 is available. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. This can be one of the causes why DACPAC files are not compatible with Microsoft SQL Server 2012. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using Microsoft SQL Server 2012.

Step 3. Associate SQL Server Data Tier Application Package files with Microsoft SQL Server 2012

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate DACPAC files with latest version of Microsoft SQL Server 2012 you have installed on your device. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the DACPAC file
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where Microsoft SQL Server 2012 is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open DACPAC files and clicking OK.

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected DACPAC 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
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with DACPAC extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Verify that the DACPAC is not faulty

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

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

If the DACPAC is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. DACPAC file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

Did you receive the DACPAC 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 DACPAC extension was interrupted and the file data is defective. Download the file again from the same source.

3. Verify whether your account has administrative rights

There is a possibility that the file in question can only be accessed by users with sufficient system privileges. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the SQL Server Data Tier Application Package file.

4. Verify that your device fulfills the requirements to be able to open Microsoft SQL Server 2012

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

5. Check if you have the latest updates to the operating system and drivers

Latest versions of programs and drivers may help you solve problems with SQL Server Data Tier Application Package files and ensure security of your device and operating system. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with DACPAC files affecting older versions of given software.

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