XMS File Extension

What is XMS file?

XMS is a file extension commonly associated with Microsoft EXtended Memory Specification files. Microsoft Corporation defined the Microsoft EXtended Memory Specification format standard. Files with XMS extension may be used by programs distributed for Windows platform. XMS file belongs to the System Files category just like 323 other filename extensions listed in our database. The most popular software that supports XMS files is MS-DOS. MS-DOS software was developed by Microsoft Corporation, and on its official website you may find more information about XMS files or the MS-DOS software program.

Programs which support XMS file extension

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

Being unable to open files with XMS extension can be have various origins. Fortunately, most common problems with XMS files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.

Step 1. Install MS-DOS software

Problems with opening and working with XMS files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with XMS files being present on your machine. To address this issue, go to the MS-DOS developer website, download the tool, and install it. It is that easy Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support XMS files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. If you want to download MS-DOS installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit Microsoft Corporation website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of MS-DOS

You still cannot access XMS files although MS-DOS is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. 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 MS-DOS installed, it may not support XMS format. The most recent version of MS-DOS is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Associate Microsoft EXtended Memory Specification files with MS-DOS

If you have the latest version of MS-DOS installed and the problem persists, select it as the default program to be used to manage XMS 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.

The procedure to change the default program in Windows

• Clicking the XMS 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
• To finalize the process, select Look for another app on this PC entry and using the file explorer select the MS-DOS installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open XMS files box and clicking OK button.

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• Right-click the XMS file and select Information
• Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
• Select MS-DOS and click Change for all...
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with XMS extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Verify that the XMS is not faulty

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the XMS file is valid. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.

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

Should it happed that the XMS is infected with a virus, this may be that cause that prevents you from accessing it. Scan the XMS file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the scanner detected that the XMS file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

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

Did you receive the XMS file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. 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 XMS 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.

There is a possibility that the file in question can only be accessed by users with sufficient system privileges. 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 MS-DOS

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

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

Latest versions of programs and drivers may help you solve problems with Microsoft EXtended Memory Specification files and ensure security of your device and operating system. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle XMS files.

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