SYMLINK File Extension

What is SYMLINK file?

SYMLINK filename suffix is mostly used for Symbolic Link Format files. SYMLINK file format is compatible with software that can be installed on Linux, Mac OS, Windows system platform. SYMLINK file format, along with 1305 other file formats, belongs to the Settings Files category. Users are advised to use Microsoft Windows software for managing SYMLINK files, although 6 other programs can also handle this type of file. Microsoft Windows software was developed by Microsoft Corporation, and on its official website you may find more information about SYMLINK files or the Microsoft Windows software program.

Programs which support SYMLINK file extension

The following list contains programs grouped by 3 operating systems that support SYMLINK files. SYMLINK files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

Updated: 03/24/2020

How to open file with SYMLINK extension?

Being unable to open files with SYMLINK extension can be have various origins. What is important, all common issues related to files with SYMLINK 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 Microsoft Windows software

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening SYMLINK files is that no program that can handle SYMLINK files is installed on user’s system. This issue can be addressed by downloading and installing Microsoft Windows or different compatible program, such as Mac OS X, Unix, macOS. 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 Windows website and download the installer.

Step 2. Check the version of Microsoft Windows and update if needed

You still cannot access SYMLINK files although Microsoft Windows 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. If you have an older version of Microsoft Windows installed, it may not support SYMLINK format. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using Microsoft Windows.

Step 3. Set the default application to open SYMLINK files to Microsoft Windows

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

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the SYMLINK file
• Next, select the Choose another app option and then using More apps open the list of available applications
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where Microsoft Windows is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open SYMLINK files and clicking OK.

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• Right-click the SYMLINK file and select Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• Select Microsoft Windows and click Change for all...
• A message window should appear informing that This change will be applied to all files with SYMLINK extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Verify that the SYMLINK is not faulty

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 SYMLINK file. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.

1. Check the SYMLINK file for viruses or malware

If the SYMLINK is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. If the SYMLINK file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

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

Did you receive the SYMLINK file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. 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. It could happen the the download process of file with SYMLINK extension was interrupted and the file data is defective. Download the file again from the same source.

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 Symbolic Link Format file.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run Microsoft Windows

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with SYMLINK extension. In this case close the other applications.

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

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

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