GHO File Extension

What is GHO file?

Files with .GHO extension store backup copies of full disks or disk partitions. GHO format supports encryption. GHO files typically store backup copies of disks or other storage devices, such as:

• Pendrives,
• Memory cards,
• External disks,
• MP3/MP4 player storage,
• Smartphone internal storage.

GHO format is native to Norton Ghost software, which was discontinued in 2013 and replaced by Symantec System Recovery. Ghost is an acronym for General hardware-oriented system transfer, a cloning and backup copy management software developed in 1995 by Binary Research, which was acquired by Symantec in 1998.

GHO files can be opened using dedicated tools, such as Ghost Explorer. GHO files can also be used to restore data from backup. GHO files used various formats to store data with each new versions of Ghost. Norton Ghost 9.0, released in 2004, was not capable of opening GHO file created with earlier versions of the software. Norton Ghost 14 used .V2I format in place of GHO, and GHO could only be opened with the previously mentioned tool Ghost Explorer.

Programs which support GHO file extension

Programs that can handle GHO files are as follows. Files with GHO 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: 10/25/2021

How to open file with GHO extension?

Problems with accessing GHO may be due to various reasons. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to Norton Ghost Backup Format files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. The list below will guide you through the process of addressing the encountered problem.

Step 1. Install Norton Ghost software

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports GHO files installed on the system. The solution is straightforward, just download and install Norton Ghost. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. The safest method of downloading Norton Ghost installed is by going to developer’s website (Symantec Corporation) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Check the version of Norton Ghost and update if needed

If you already have Norton Ghost installed on your systems and GHO files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. The reason that Norton Ghost cannot handle files with GHO may be that the software is outdated. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using Norton Ghost.

Step 3. Set the default application to open GHO files to Norton Ghost

If you have the latest version of Norton Ghost installed and the problem persists, select it as the default program to be used to manage GHO on your device. The next step should pose no problems. The procedure is straightforward and largely system-independent

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the GHO file
• Next, select the Choose another app option and then using More apps open the list of available applications
• Finally select Look for another app on this PC, point to the folder where Norton Ghost is installed, check the Always use this app to open GHO files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with GHO extension, select Information
• Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
• 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 GHO extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Check the GHO for errors

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the GHO file in question. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

1. Verify that the GHO in question is not infected with a computer virus

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the GHO file hinders attempts to open it. Scan the GHO file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the scanner detected that the GHO file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

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

If the GHO file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. During the copy process of the file errors may occurred rendering the file incomplete or corrupted. This could be the source of encountered problems with the file. If the GHO 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.

There is a possibility that the file in question can only be accessed by users with sufficient system privileges. Log in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.

4. Check whether your system can handle Norton Ghost

If the systems has insufficient resources to open GHO files, try closing all currently running applications and try again.

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

Regularly updated system, drivers, and programs keep your computer secure. This may also prevent problems with Norton Ghost Backup Format files. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle GHO files.

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