SPU File Extension

What is SPU file?

SPU filename suffix is mostly used for Spectrum 512 Image files. Spectrum 512 Image format was developed by Atari. SPU files are supported by software applications available for devices running Linux, Mac OS, Windows. SPU file format, along with 522 other file formats, belongs to the Raster Image Files category. Users are advised to use Atari Picture Viewer software for managing SPU files, although 3 other programs can also handle this type of file.

Programs which support SPU file extension

The list that follows enumerates programs compatible with SPU files, divided into 3 categories based on operating system on which they are available. SPU 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 SPU extension?

Problems with accessing SPU may be due to various reasons. What is important, all common issues related to files with SPU extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with SPU files.

Step 1. Get the Atari Picture Viewer

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports SPU files installed on the system. The most obvious solution is to download and install Atari Picture Viewer or one to the listed programs: XnView. 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 Atari Picture Viewer website and download the installer.

Step 2. Check the version of Atari Picture Viewer and update if needed

If the problems with opening SPU files still occur even after installing Atari Picture Viewer, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of Atari Picture Viewer is available. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. The reason that Atari Picture Viewer cannot handle files with SPU may be that the software is outdated. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using Atari Picture Viewer.

Step 3. Set the default application to open SPU files to Atari Picture Viewer

If you have the latest version of Atari Picture Viewer installed and the problem persists, select it as the default program to be used to manage SPU on your device. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

Change the default application in Windows

• Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the SPU file
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• To finalize the process, select Look for another app on this PC entry and using the file explorer select the Atari Picture Viewer installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open SPU files box and clicking OK button.

Change the default application in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with SPU extension, select Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• Select Atari Picture Viewer and click Change for all...
• A message window should appear informing that This change will be applied to all files with SPU extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Check the SPU for errors

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the SPU file is valid. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

1. Verify that the SPU in question is not infected with a computer virus

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the SPU file hinders attempts to open it. Scan the SPU file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the SPU file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

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

If the SPU 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. When downloading the file with SPU extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

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. Verify that your device fulfills the requirements to be able to open Atari Picture Viewer

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

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

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with Spectrum 512 Image file. It may be the case that the SPU files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

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