SNK File Extension

What is SNK file?

SNK filename suffix is mostly used for Strong Name Key Format files. Strong Name Key Format format was developed by Microsoft. SNK files are supported by software applications available for devices running Windows. SNK file belongs to the Encoded Files category just like 236 other filename extensions listed in our database. The most popular program for handling SNK files is Microsoft Strong Name Tool, but users can choose among 1 different programs that support this file format.

Programs which support SNK file extension

The following listing features SNK-compatible programs. SNK 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 SNK extension?

Problems with accessing SNK may be due to various reasons. What is important, all common issues related to files with SNK 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. Get the Microsoft Strong Name Tool

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening SNK files is that no program that can handle SNK files is installed on user’s system. This one is an easy one. Select Microsoft Strong Name Tool or one of the recommended programs (for example, Microsoft Visual Studio) 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 Microsoft Strong Name Tool installed is by going to developer’s website () and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Check the version of Microsoft Strong Name Tool and update if needed

If you already have Microsoft Strong Name Tool installed on your systems and SNK files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. If you have an older version of Microsoft Strong Name Tool installed, it may not support SNK format. The most recent version of Microsoft Strong Name Tool is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Associate Strong Name Key Format files with Microsoft Strong Name Tool

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

Change the default application in Windows

• Right-click the SNK file and choose Open with option
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• Finally select Look for another app on this PC, point to the folder where Microsoft Strong Name Tool is installed, check the Always use this app to open SNK files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

Change the default application in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with SNK extension, select 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....
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with SNK extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Check the SNK for errors

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the SNK file is valid. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

1. The SNK 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 SNK 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 SNK file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

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

If the SNK 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 SNK 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 out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the Strong Name Key Format file.

4. Check whether your system can handle Microsoft Strong Name Tool

If the systems has insufficient resources to open SNK files, try closing all currently running applications and try again.

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

Regularly updated system, drivers, and programs keep your computer secure. This may also prevent problems with Strong Name Key Format files. It may be the case that the SNK files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

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