IAK File Extension

What is IAK file?

IAK filename suffix is mostly used for MAIL.DAT Information Access Key files. MAIL.DAT Information Access Key specification was created by IDEAlliance. IAK files are supported by software applications available for devices running Windows. Files with IAK extension are categorized as Misc Files files. The Misc Files subset comprises 6033 various file formats. Mail.Dat is by far the most used program for working with IAK files.

Programs which support IAK file extension

Below is a table that list programs that support IAK files. Files with IAK extension, just like any other file formats, can be found on any operating system. The files in question may be transferred to other devices, be it mobile or stationary, yet not all systems may be capable of properly handling such files.

How to open file with IAK extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening IAK files on given system. Fortunately, most common problems with IAK files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with IAK files.

Step 1. Download and install Mail.Dat

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

Step 2. Update Mail.Dat to the latest version

If the problems with opening IAK files still occur even after installing Mail.Dat, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of Mail.Dat is available. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. If you have an older version of Mail.Dat installed, it may not support IAK format. The most recent version of Mail.Dat is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Set the default application to open IAK files to Mail.Dat

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate IAK files with latest version of Mail.Dat 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.

The procedure to change the default program in Windows

• Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the IAK file
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• Finally select Look for another app on this PC, point to the folder where Mail.Dat is installed, check the Always use this app to open IAK files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• Right-click the IAK file and select Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• Select Mail.Dat and click Change for all...
• A message window should appear informing that This change will be applied to all files with IAK extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Verify that the IAK is not faulty

You closely followed the steps listed in points 1-3, but the problem is still present? You should check whether the file is a proper IAK file. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

1. Check the IAK file for viruses or malware

Should it happed that the IAK is infected with a virus, this may be that cause that prevents you from accessing it. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. If the IAK file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

Did you receive the IAK 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. When downloading the file with IAK extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

3. Verify whether your account has administrative rights

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 MAIL.DAT Information Access Key file.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run Mail.Dat

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

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

Regularly updated system, drivers, and programs keep your computer secure. This may also prevent problems with MAIL.DAT Information Access Key files. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with IAK files affecting older versions of given software.

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