GSD File Extension

What is GSD file?

GSD is a file extension commonly associated with General Station Description Format files. General Station Description Format specification was created by PROFIBUS & PROFINET International. Files with GSD extension may be used by programs distributed for Windows platform. Files with GSD extension are categorized as Text Files files. The Text Files subset comprises 440 various file formats. ProfiTrace supports GSD files and is the most frequently used program to handle such files, yet 3 other tools may also be used.

Programs which support GSD file extension

The following listing features GSD-compatible programs. GSD 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 GSD extension?

Being unable to open files with GSD extension can be have various origins. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to General Station Description 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. Get the ProfiTrace

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening GSD files is that no program that can handle GSD files is installed on user’s system. The most obvious solution is to download and install ProfiTrace or one to the listed programs: Text editor, Windows Notepad, NotePad++ text editor. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. One of the most risk-free method of downloading software is using links provided by official distributors. Visit ProfiTrace website and download the installer.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of ProfiTrace

If the problems with opening GSD files still occur even after installing ProfiTrace, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of ProfiTrace is available. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. This can be one of the causes why GSD files are not compatible with ProfiTrace. The most recent version of ProfiTrace is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Associate General Station Description Format files with ProfiTrace

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate GSD files with latest version of ProfiTrace you have installed 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.

Change the default application in Windows

• Clicking the GSD with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• Finally select Look for another app on this PC, point to the folder where ProfiTrace is installed, check the Always use this app to open GSD files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

Change the default application in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with GSD extension, select Information
• Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
• Select ProfiTrace and click Change for all...
• A message window should appear informing that This change will be applied to all files with GSD extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Verify that the GSD is not faulty

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

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

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the GSD file hinders attempts to open it. Scan the GSD file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the scanner detected that the GSD 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 GSD file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. If the GSD 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.

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 General Station Description Format file.

4. Check whether your system can handle ProfiTrace

The operating systems may note enough free resources to run the application that support GSD files. Close all running programs and try opening the GSD file.

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

Latest versions of programs and drivers may help you solve problems with General Station Description Format files and ensure security of your device and operating system. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle GSD files.

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