TMP File Extension

What is TMP file?

Files with the TMP extension contain different types of data stored temporarily. It is a general extension – such files may occur both in text or binary form. There is no specified data structure regarding such files.

TMP files are created by different programs and stored usually in the tmp or TEMP folder, for example while:

• Downloading data from the Internet,
• Saving backup copies of files,
• Operating on large data files, which exceed the assigned internal memory.

Additional information about TMP files

According to its premises, the “temporary” files are usually stored for a specific time period in which some given action is performed, after which they should be automatically deleted. They may contain key data for functioning a program, or its elements, in a given point in time, therefore, if origin of such file is unknown, they should not be deleted manually. In the Unix series systems, TMP files are usually used for communication between processes.

Programs which support TMP file extension

Below you will find an index of software programs that can be used to open TMP files divided into 2 categories according to system platform supported. Files with TMP 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: 08/23/2019

How to open file with TMP extension?

Problems with accessing TMP may be due to various reasons. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to Temporary Format files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with TMP files.

Step 1. Get the Microsoft Word

Problems with opening and working with TMP files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with TMP files being present on your machine. This one is an easy one. Select Microsoft Word or one of the recommended programs (for example, Microsoft Windows, Safari, Microsoft Internet Explorer) 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 Microsoft Word website and download the installer.

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

You still cannot access TMP files although Microsoft Word 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 Word installed, it may not support TMP format. The latest version of Microsoft Word should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Associate Temporary Format files with Microsoft Word

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

• Right-click the TMP file and choose 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 Word is installed, check the Always use this app to open TMP files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• Right-click the TMP file and 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....
• A message window should appear informing that This change will be applied to all files with TMP extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

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

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

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the TMP 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. TMP file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

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

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 Temporary Format file again.

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

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

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 Temporary Format file. It may be the case that the TMP files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

Do you want to help?

If you have additional information about the TMP file, we will be grateful if you share it with our users. To do this, use the form here and send us your information on TMP file.