PKM File Extension

What is PKM file?

Files with the PKM extension are related to the category of save game files. They contain progress in Pokemon Diamond and Pearl games. Both titles were released in 2006 for the Nintendo DS portable consoles. Files with the PKM extension store complete game saves, including the player character's parameters.

How are PKM files used?

Typically, files with the PKM extension are used to save the game state on Nintendo DS cartridges. This allows you to pause the game at a chosen moment and then resume it without the need to start the game over.

PKM files can also be copied to the hard drives of computers running the Microsoft Windows operating system. Dedicated software called Pokesav enables the editing of PKM file contents. Thus, enthusiasts of Pokemon Diamond and Pokemon Pearl can manually modify saves stored in PKM files. It is common to change the player character's parameters, significantly affecting the course of gameplay. Modified PKM files are often shared via thematic services, where other game enthusiasts exchange their Pokemon.

Programs which support PKM file extension

The following listing features PKM-compatible programs. Files with PKM 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: 03/22/2024

How to open file with PKM extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening PKM files on given system. What is important, all common issues related to files with PKM 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. Install Pokesav software

Problems with opening and working with PKM files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with PKM files being present on your machine. To address this issue, go to the Pokesav developer website, download the tool, and install it. It is that easy On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. One of the most risk-free method of downloading software is using links provided by official distributors. Visit Pokesav website and download the installer.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of Pokesav

You still cannot access PKM files although Pokesav is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. The reason that Pokesav cannot handle files with PKM may be that the software is outdated. The latest version of Pokesav should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Associate Pokemon Saved Game Data Format files with Pokesav

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

The procedure to change the default program in Windows

• Clicking the PKM with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
• 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 Pokesav is installed, check the Always use this app to open PKM files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected PKM file open the file menu and choose Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• 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 PKM extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Verify that the PKM is not faulty

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the PKM file in question. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.

1. The PKM may be infected with malware – make sure to scan it with an antivirus tool.

Should it happed that the PKM 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 scanner detected that the PKM file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

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

If you obtained the problematic PKM 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. If the PKM file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

3. Ensure that you have appropriate access rights

Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Log in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.

4. Check whether your system can handle Pokesav

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with PKM 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 Pokemon Saved Game Data Format files and ensure security of your device and operating system. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with PKM files affecting older versions of given software.

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