OLS File Extension

What is OLS file?

Full format name of files that use OLS extension is Microsoft Office List Shortcut. Microsoft Corporation defined the Microsoft Office List Shortcut format standard. OLS file format is compatible with software that can be installed on Windows system platform. Files with OLS extension are categorized as Misc Files files. The Misc Files subset comprises 6033 various file formats. Users are advised to use Microsoft Publisher software for managing OLS files, although 1 other programs can also handle this type of file. On the official website of Microsoft Corporation developer not only will you find detailed information about theMicrosoft Publisher software, but also about OLS and other supported file formats.

Programs which support OLS file extension

Programs that can handle OLS files are as follows. Files with OLS 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 OLS extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening OLS files on given system. Fortunately, most common problems with OLS 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 OLS files.

Step 1. Download and install Microsoft Publisher

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening OLS files is that no program that can handle OLS files is installed on user’s system. This one is an easy one. Select Microsoft Publisher or one of the recommended programs (for example, Microsoft Office) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. The safest method of downloading Microsoft Publisher installed is by going to developer’s website (Microsoft Corporation) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of Microsoft Publisher

If you already have Microsoft Publisher installed on your systems and OLS files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. The reason that Microsoft Publisher cannot handle files with OLS may be that the software is outdated. The latest version of Microsoft Publisher should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Set the default application to open OLS files to Microsoft Publisher

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

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Clicking the OLS with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where Microsoft Publisher is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open OLS files and clicking OK.

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected OLS file open the file menu and choose Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• Select the appropriate software and save your settings by clicking Change all
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with OLS extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Check the OLS for errors

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the OLS file is valid. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.

1. The OLS 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 OLS file hinders attempts to open it. It is advised to scan the system for viruses and malware as soon as possible or use an online antivirus scanner. If the OLS file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Verify that the OLS file’s structure is intact

If the OLS 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. It could happen the the download process of file with OLS 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

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 Microsoft Office List Shortcut file again.

4. Check whether your system can handle Microsoft Publisher

The operating systems may note enough free resources to run the application that support OLS files. Close all running programs and try opening the OLS file.

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 Microsoft Office List Shortcut files. It may be the case that the OLS files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

Do you want to help?

If you have additional information about the OLS file, we will be grateful if you share it with our users. To do this, use the form here and send us your information on OLS file.