SIS File Extension

What is SIS file?

SIS files store installation packages for Symbian OS applications.

What kind of data SIS files hold?

SIS stands for Software Installation Script. SIS files store application data archives (containing EXE or APP files) along with installation scripts.

What is Symbian OS?

Symbian is an older, now obsolete operating system for older generation mobile devices (from the era before smartphones). Symbian was used in almost all GSM devices at that time, including those manufactured by:

1. Samsung,
2. Motorola,
3. Sony Ericsson,
4. Nokia.

Symbian OS platform is formed of two main components: kernel and user interface. Symbian OS uses SIS file to install applications.

How to install SIS apps?

Befor installation, SIS file must be saved to the device’s memory. Dedicated software tools exist that can aid user throughout the process. Transferred SIS file can then be opened and an installation script will be automatically launched.

Programs which support SIS file extension

Programs that can handle SIS files are as follows. Files with SIS 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: 04/12/2023

How to open file with SIS extension?

Problems with accessing SIS may be due to various reasons. Fortunately, most common problems with SIS files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. The list below will guide you through the process of addressing the encountered problem.

Step 1. Install Nokia Suite software

Problems with opening and working with SIS files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with SIS files being present on your machine. This one is an easy one. Select Nokia Suite or one of the recommended programs (for example, UnSIS, Palm OS Emulator) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. One of the most risk-free method of downloading software is using links provided by official distributors. Visit Nokia Suite website and download the installer.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of Nokia Suite

If you already have Nokia Suite installed on your systems and SIS files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. The reason that Nokia Suite cannot handle files with SIS may be that the software is outdated. The most recent version of Nokia Suite is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Associate Symbian Installation Format files with Nokia Suite

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate SIS files with latest version of Nokia Suite 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.

The procedure to change the default program in Windows

• Right-click the SIS file and choose Open with option
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• Finally select Look for another app on this PC, point to the folder where Nokia Suite is installed, check the Always use this app to open SIS files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• Right-click the SIS file and select Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• Select Nokia Suite and click Change for all...
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with SIS extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Ensure that the SIS 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 SIS file. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

1. The SIS 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 SIS 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. If the scanner detected that the SIS file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

If the SIS file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. 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. If the SIS file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

3. Check if the user that you are logged as has administrative privileges.

There is a possibility that the file in question can only be accessed by users with sufficient system privileges. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the Symbian Installation Format file.

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

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

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 Symbian Installation 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 SIS files affecting older versions of given software.

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