IQY File Extension

What is IQY file?

Text files holding Web queries - Internet Query fiels used by Microsoft applications, most notably Excel, are saved with IQY extension. Such files allow users to fetch information from websites as .ASP files and save them to disk or import directly into application. IQY fiels are by default saved in MS Office subfolder: Program FilesMicrosoft OfficeQueries.

Structure of IQY files - Internet Queries

IQY is a text file and can be easily opened by users using any text editor or web browser. Each file contains various definitions such as:

• URL - address to send the query to,
• Selection - the range of data to be fetched, for example EntirePage or table number,
• Formatting - formatting of queries in data sheet,
• PreFormattedTextToColumns, SingleBlockTextImport, etc.

Also IQY files can hold VBA code snippets for more advanced data processing.

Uses of IQY files - Internet Query

IQY files are used to import external data to spreadsheet documents. In Windows systems such files are by default associated with Microsoft Excel. IQY files can be used by malicious software tools to install viruses in the system. Such files can be for example distributed via e-mail attachments.

Programs which support IQY file extension

Below you will find an index of software programs that can be used to open IQY files divided into 2 categories according to system platform supported. Files with IQY 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.

Updated: 05/03/2023

How to open file with IQY extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening IQY files on given system. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to Internet Query files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with IQY files.

Step 1. Download and install Microsoft Office

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports IQY files installed on the system. This issue can be addressed by downloading and installing Microsoft Office or different compatible program, such as TextEdit, Microsoft Excel, Windows Notepad. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support IQY files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. The safest method of downloading Microsoft Office installed is by going to developer’s website (Microsoft Corporation) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Update Microsoft Office to the latest version

If the problems with opening IQY files still occur even after installing Microsoft Office, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of Microsoft Office is available. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. If you have an older version of Microsoft Office installed, it may not support IQY format. The latest version of Microsoft Office should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Set the default application to open IQY files to Microsoft Office

After installing Microsoft Office (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open IQY files. The process of associating file formats with default application may differ in details depending on platform, but the basic procedure is very similar.

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the IQY 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 Microsoft Office is installed, check the Always use this app to open IQY 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 IQY extension, select Information
• Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
• Select Microsoft Office and click Change for all...
• A message window should appear informing that This change will be applied to all files with IQY extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Verify that the IQY 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 IQY file. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.

1. The IQY 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 IQY file hinders attempts to open it. 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 IQY file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

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

If you obtained the problematic IQY file from a third party, ask them to supply you with another copy. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. It could happen the the download process of file with IQY 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

Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the Internet Query file again.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run Microsoft Office

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

5. Ensure that you have the latest drivers and system updates and patches installed

Regularly updated system, drivers, and programs keep your computer secure. This may also prevent problems with Internet Query files. It may be the case that the IQY files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

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