METALINK File Extension

What is METALINK file?

METALINK filename suffix is mostly used for Metalink 3.0 files. METALINK file format is compatible with software that can be installed on Windows system platform. METALINK file format, along with 303 other file formats, belongs to the Web Files category. JDownloader supports METALINK files and is the most frequently used program to handle such files, yet 2 other tools may also be used. JDownloader software was developed by Jdownloader Team, and on its official website you may find more information about METALINK files or the JDownloader software program.

Programs which support METALINK file extension

Programs that can handle METALINK files are as follows. METALINK 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 METALINK extension?

Problems with accessing METALINK may be due to various reasons. What is important, all common issues related to files with METALINK extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.

Step 1. Download and install JDownloader

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports METALINK files installed on the system. This one is an easy one. Select JDownloader or one of the recommended programs (for example, Free Download Manager, GetRight Download Manager) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. The safest method of downloading JDownloader installed is by going to developer’s website (Jdownloader Team) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Check the version of JDownloader and update if needed

You still cannot access METALINK files although JDownloader is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. This can be one of the causes why METALINK files are not compatible with JDownloader. The most recent version of JDownloader is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Assign JDownloader to METALINK files

If you have the latest version of JDownloader installed and the problem persists, select it as the default program to be used to manage METALINK 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.

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the METALINK 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 JDownloader is installed, check the Always use this app to open METALINK files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• Right-click the METALINK file and select Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• 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 METALINK extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Ensure that the METALINK file is complete and free of 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 METALINK file. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.

1. Verify that the METALINK in question is not infected with a computer virus

If the METALINK is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. Scan the METALINK file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the scanner detected that the METALINK file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

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

If the METALINK file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. When downloading the file with METALINK 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

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 Metalink 3.0 file.

4. Check whether your system can handle JDownloader

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with METALINK extension. In this case close the other applications.

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

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with Metalink 3.0 file. It may be the case that the METALINK files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

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