META File Extension

What is META file?

A .META file is a meta data file that is created by RealPlayer application. When the video file is downloaded by the application, a meta data file that describes the video file is created. The meta data file provides information about the video file, such as the name of the file, the location of the file, the duration of the file. Further, the file provides a reference to the actual video file location for playing the video file.

Programs which support META file extension

Files with META 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: 12/17/2023

How to open file with META extension?

Being unable to open files with META extension can be have various origins. What is important, all common issues related to files with META extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. The list below will guide you through the process of addressing the encountered problem.

Step 1. Download and install RealPlayer

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports META files installed on the system. The solution is straightforward, just download and install RealPlayer. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support META files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. The safest method of downloading RealPlayer installed is by going to developer’s website (RealNetworks, Inc.) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Update RealPlayer to the latest version

If the problems with opening META files still occur even after installing RealPlayer, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of RealPlayer is available. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. This can be one of the causes why META files are not compatible with RealPlayer. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using RealPlayer.

Step 3. Set the default application to open META files to RealPlayer

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate META files with latest version of RealPlayer you have installed on your device. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

Change the default application in Windows

• Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the META file
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• To finalize the process, select Look for another app on this PC entry and using the file explorer select the RealPlayer installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open META files box and clicking OK button.

Change the default application in Mac OS

• Right-click the META file and 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 META extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Check the META for errors

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 META file. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

1. Check the META file for viruses or malware

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the META 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. META file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

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

Did you receive the META file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. 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. When downloading the file with META 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 RealPlayer Metafile file again.

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

If the systems has insufficient resources to open META 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 RealPlayer Metafile files. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle META files.

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