LZMA File Extension

What is LZMA file?

Full format name of files that use LZMA extension is LZMA Compressed Format. LZMA file format is compatible with software that can be installed on Linux, Mac OS, Windows system platform. Files with LZMA extension are categorized as Compressed Files files. The Compressed Files subset comprises 236 various file formats. The most popular program for handling LZMA files is 7-Zip, but users can choose among 5 different programs that support this file format. 7-Zip software was developed by Igor Pavlov, and on its official website you may find more information about LZMA files or the 7-Zip software program.

Programs which support LZMA file extension

The following list contains programs grouped by 3 operating systems that support LZMA files. Files with LZMA suffix can be copied to any mobile device or system platform, but it may not be possible to open them properly on target system.

How to open file with LZMA extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening LZMA files on given system. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to LZMA Compressed 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. Get the 7-Zip

Problems with opening and working with LZMA files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with LZMA files being present on your machine. The most obvious solution is to download and install 7-Zip or one to the listed programs: PeaZip, LZMA SDK, The Unarchiver. On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. If you want to download 7-Zip installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit Igor Pavlov website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of 7-Zip

You still cannot access LZMA files although 7-Zip is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. The reason that 7-Zip cannot handle files with LZMA may be that the software is outdated. The latest version of 7-Zip should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Assign 7-Zip to LZMA files

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate LZMA files with latest version of 7-Zip 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

• Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the LZMA file
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• Finally select Look for another app on this PC, point to the folder where 7-Zip is installed, check the Always use this app to open LZMA 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 LZMA extension, select Information
• Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
• From the list choose the appropriate program and confirm by clicking Change for all....
• A message window should appear informing that This change will be applied to all files with LZMA extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Check the LZMA for errors

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

1. Check the LZMA file for viruses or malware

Should it happed that the LZMA 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 LZMA file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

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

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

3. Ensure that you have appropriate access rights

There is a possibility that the file in question can only be accessed by users with sufficient system privileges. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the LZMA Compressed Format file again.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run 7-Zip

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with LZMA 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 LZMA Compressed 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 LZMA files.

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