ELC File Extension

What is ELC file?

ELC filename suffix is mostly used for Emacs Compiled Lisp Format files. Emacs Compiled Lisp Format specification was created by The GNU Project. Files with ELC extension may be used by programs distributed for Linux, Mac OS, Windows platform. ELC file belongs to the Developer Files category just like 1205 other filename extensions listed in our database. The most popular program for handling ELC files is Emacs, but users can choose among 2 different programs that support this file format.

Programs which support ELC file extension

Below you will find an index of software programs that can be used to open ELC files divided into 3 categories according to system platform supported. ELC files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

How to open file with ELC extension?

Problems with accessing ELC may be due to various reasons. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to Emacs Compiled Lisp 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 Emacs

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports ELC files installed on the system. The solution is straightforward, just download and install Emacs. 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 Emacs installed is by going to developer’s website () and downloading the software using provided links.

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

If the problems with opening ELC files still occur even after installing Emacs, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of Emacs 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 Emacs installed, it may not support ELC format. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using Emacs.

Step 3. Set the default application to open ELC files to Emacs

After installing Emacs (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open ELC files. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

The procedure to change the default program in Windows

• Clicking the ELC 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
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where Emacs is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open ELC files and clicking OK.

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• Right-click the ELC file and select Information
• Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
• Select Emacs and click Change for all...
• Finally, a This change will be applied to all files with ELC extension message should pop-up. Click Continue button in order to confirm your choice.

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

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

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

If the ELC 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. If the scanner detected that the ELC file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

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

If the ELC 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. When downloading the file with ELC 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. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the Emacs Compiled Lisp Format file.

4. Verify that your device fulfills the requirements to be able to open Emacs

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with ELC 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 Emacs Compiled Lisp Format files and ensure security of your device and operating system. It may be the case that the ELC files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

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