Tips to open ACSM file

Can't open the ACSM file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open ACSM files as well as a list of programs that support ACSM files.

ACSM file extension

File Name Adobe Content Server Message Format
File Developer Adobe Systems
File Category Text Files

The ACSM file is supported on 2 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the ACSM files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the ACSM file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 2
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is ACSM file?

The .ACSM file is an Adobe Digital Editions broadcast file. It is used to download the correct publication. The book itself is not saved in this file. The file is distributed by Adobe Content Server and can also be used to resume a download in the event of an error. These types of files are not supported by readers, but the downloaded content may already be saved on the devices. It should also be mentioned that the download process is usually short, and after a successful download, the file is deleted.

How to open ACSM file?

The most common problem when using Adobe Content Server Message Format is that a specific ACSM is not associated with the program. This is manifested by the fact that ACSM files open in unusual applications or do not have an assigned program. This can be quickly resolved by following the instructions below.

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the ACSM file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.

Step 1. Install Adobe Digital Editions

In this case, you should first verify that the Adobe Digital Editions application is installed on the computer. This can be achieved by typing Adobe Digital Editions into the operating system search engine. In the absence of an appropriate program, its installation in the vast majority of cases will fix the problem. Below is a list of programs that support the file ACSM.

Step 2. Create association of Adobe Digital Editions with ACSM files

If, despite the installed application, the ACSM file does not start in the Adobe Digital Editions application, you must create a file association. The association can be created using the drop-down list available by right-clicking on the file and selecting Properties. The window will show, among other things, the type of the file and the information by which the program is used to launch the file. Using the "Change" button we can select the desired program. It may happen that in the next window there will be no appropriate program - however, this can be corrected with the "Browse" option where you should manually indicate the program location. The "always use the selected program ..." field will set the Adobe Digital Editions application as the default for handling the ACSM file.

Step 3. Update Adobe Digital Editions to the latest version

If, however, after binding Adobe Digital Editions with Adobe Content Server Message Format there were still problems, you should update the program to the latest version. In this case, use the Adobe Systems Incorporated website or update the program from the application.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the ACSM file

If the above steps do not help, you can assume that the file itself is not correct. The most common file problems are:

The affected file may be 0 KB or smaller than expected. This suggests truncating the ACSM file contents when downloading or copying. Downloading the file again should fix the problem.
The computer may have fallen victim to a computer virus or hacker. Perform a virus scan using available and up-to-date anti-virus software. Some antivirus vendors also provide free online scanners. The scan should cover the entire computer, not only the ACSM file that we want to open. However, remember that not every infected ACSM file can be recovered, so it is important to take care of regular backups.
Older version of ACSM file may not always be supported by the latest software version. On their websites, developers usually offer free solutions to such problems, e.g. in the form of a conversion program or an older version of the program.
There can be many reasons for this. The repair method must be adapted to the type of file and damage. Some programs offer the ability to automatically repair ACSM file corruption. The easiest way is to restore the file from a backup, if there is one, or contact Adobe Systems
The program can also signal the fact of encryption. The encrypted ACSM files cannot be played on other computers than the one on which they were encrypted, they must be decrypted before using on another device.
Some of the system directories are excluded from modification. The problem is only writing to the file, not reading it. It is best to move ACSM to a different directory.
This problem only occurs with more complex files. In this case, the ACSM file is blocked by the first application to open it. Just close unnecessary programs. Sometimes it is necessary to wait a while before referencing the ACSM file again. Some anti-virus or backup software may occupy the ACSM file for a certain period of time. If nothing helps, please reset the device.