Tips to open COB file
Can't open the COB file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open COB files as well as a list of programs that support COB files.
COB file extension
The COB file is supported on 3 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the COB files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the COB file on each system platform.
What is COB file?
The file with the extension COB is the Developer Files file type. Developer Files consists of 1205 similar files. COBOL Source Code Format appears on 3 operating systems as a functional file. These systems consist of Linux, Mac OS, Windows, although it may occasionally be found on another system, it will be non-functional. This file type can also be opened by 4 other programs. NetCOBOL, TinyCOBOL, PSPad, COBOL IDE Project will apply when it is not possible to use OpenCOBOL.
How to open COB file?
The most common problem when using COBOL Source Code Format is that a specific COB is not associated with the program. This causes the file COB to open by system applications not designed for this purpose, or to display a message that there is no associated program. How to solve such a problem?
The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the COB 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 OpenCOBOL
An often overlooked issue is to make sure that OpenCOBOL is installed on the computer. This can be achieved by typing OpenCOBOL 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 COB files.
Programs to open COB file
Remember to download programs supporting COB files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.
Step 2. Create association of OpenCOBOL with COB files
However, it may happen that the application itself does not cause the COB file to open in the OpenCOBOL application, but you can set it manually. This option is available from the level of Properties of a specific file available in the context menu. 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. If there is no software on the list, simply select "Browse" and manually select the directory where the application is installed. The "always use the selected program ..." field will set the OpenCOBOL application as the default for handling the COB file.
Step 3. Update OpenCOBOL to the latest version
The fault may also lie with the OpenCOBOL program, it is possible that COBOL Source Code Format requires a newer version of the program.
Step 4. Check for the following problems with the COB 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 COB file may be unusually small compared to the original file. This suggests truncating the COB file contents when downloading or copying. The file should be downloaded again, making sure that the process has finished correctly.
The most common cause here is computer viruses. A quick virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should clear up any doubts. Some antivirus vendors also provide free online scanners. However, it is important to scan the entire system, not only the file COB or the program directory. However, remember that not every infected COB file can be recovered, so it is important to take care of regular backups.
Older version of COB 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 the failure. Depending on the type of file, it is necessary to repair it accordingly. Some programs offer the ability to automatically repair COB file corruption.
The program indicates that the file is encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted COB 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. If possible, you can try to move the COB file to another location.
This can happen on a file that does not support multiple access. You may find that another program you are using is preventing you from working with the file. Running programs (including those in the background) should be verified. If the error persists after closing other programs, wait for a while. Antivirus programs or a backup being made may lock the file for a while without the user's knowledge. If this does not work either, restart the device.
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