SPB File Extension

What is SPB file?

Files with the SPB extension are mission saves, associated mainly with a Flight Simulator game – developed by Microsoft. Files contain data about condition of a flight mission and other data related to it.

SPB files also in other games

SPB files can actually refer to other similar games, due to the fact that actually, they are not generated by the game but Microsoft ESP – a tool generating maps and scenes of flight simulation which are used, among others, in the mentioned game.

Structure, conversion and opening of SPB files

Structure of such files is based mainly on the XML format, but the final storing of the file with the ESP tools occurs with utilisation of SPB format and binary code. An SPB file can be easily converted into original XML format using the spb2xml program – this enables to open it. There are also special applications which facilitate editing SPB files.

Programs which support SPB file extension

The following listing features SPB-compatible programs. Files with SPB 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: 08/04/2019

How to open file with SPB extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening SPB files on given system. What is important, all common issues related to files with SPB 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. Get the Microsoft Flight Simulator X

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports SPB files installed on the system. The solution is straightforward, just download and install Microsoft Flight Simulator X. 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 Microsoft Flight Simulator X website and download the installer.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of Microsoft Flight Simulator X

If you already have Microsoft Flight Simulator X installed on your systems and SPB 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. The reason that Microsoft Flight Simulator X cannot handle files with SPB may be that the software is outdated. The latest version of Microsoft Flight Simulator X should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Set the default application to open SPB files to Microsoft Flight Simulator X

If you have the latest version of Microsoft Flight Simulator X installed and the problem persists, select it as the default program to be used to manage SPB on your device. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

Change the default application in Windows

• Clicking the SPB 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 Microsoft Flight Simulator X is installed, check the Always use this app to open SPB files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

Change the default application in Mac OS

• Right-click the SPB file and select Information
• Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
• 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 SPB extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Check the SPB for 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 SPB file. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

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

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

If the SPB file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. It is possible that the file has not been properly copied to a data storage and is incomplete and therefore cannot be opened. If the SPB 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.

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the Flight Simulator Mission Format file again.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run Microsoft Flight Simulator X

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

5. Verify that your operating system and drivers are up to date

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

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