Tips to open BCD file
Can't open the BCD file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open BCD files as well as a list of programs that support BCD files.
BCD file extension
| File Name |
Windows Boot Configuration Data Format |
| File Developer |
Microsoft |
| File Category |
System Files |
The BCD file is supported on 1 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the BCD files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the BCD file on each system platform.
What is BCD file?
The BCD file has been categorized as System Files. The creator of this file is Microsoft. System Files consists of 323 similar files. Windows Boot Configuration Data Format appears on 1 operating systems as a functional file. These systems consist of Windows, although it may occasionally be found on another system, it will be non-functional. Alternatively, you can use 1 other programs. You can use EasyBCD in case Microsoft Registry Editor cannot be used.
How to open BCD file?
The main problem with Windows Boot Configuration Data Format is that the BCD file is incorrectly associated with programs. Thus, when you open BCD, the program selection wizard or some other program starts. This can be quickly resolved by following the instructions below.
The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the BCD 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 Microsoft Registry Editor
An often overlooked issue is to make sure that Microsoft Registry Editor is installed on the computer. This can be achieved by typing Microsoft Registry Editor into the operating system search engine. If it is not, installation may solve the problem, as most applications create file associations during installation. Later in this article you will find a list of programs that can open BCD files.
Programs to open BCD file
Remember to download programs supporting BCD files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.
Step 2. Create association of Microsoft Registry Editor with BCD files
However, it may happen that the application itself does not cause the BCD file to open in the Microsoft Registry Editor application, but you can set it manually. It is most convenient to call the context menu with the right mouse button and select 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. Changes can be made using the "Change" button. The program should be visible in the window, otherwise it should be selected manually using the "Browse" button and the program installation directory should be indicated. Checking the "Always use the selected program ..." box will permanently associate the BCD file with the Microsoft Registry Editor program.
Step 3. Update Microsoft Registry Editor to the latest version
If, however, after binding Microsoft Registry Editor with Windows Boot Configuration Data Format there were still problems, you should update the program to the latest version.
Step 4. Check for the following problems with the BCD file
Of course, it may happen that despite the above steps, the file still does not work. The most common file problems are:
The BCD file may be unusually small compared to the original file. This is most often caused by a problem while downloading the BCD file. The file should be downloaded again, making sure that the process has finished correctly.
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 BCD file that we want to open. Sometimes virus-infected BCD files cannot be recovered, so make a backup in advance.
This can happen especially when the program is dynamically developed and the structure of the BCD files changes over time. 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 the failure. The repair method must be adapted to the type of file and damage. Some programs offer the ability to automatically repair BCD file corruption.
The program can also signal the fact of encryption. The encrypted file BCD except for the special designation, works normally, but only on the device where it was encrypted, before transferring it to another machine, decryption is required.
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 BCD to a different directory.
This problem usually affects more complex files. Some file types can only be opened in one program at a time. Just close unnecessary programs. If the error persists after closing other programs, wait for a while. However, some background programs may block the BCD file while scanning. If nothing helps, please reset the device.
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