Tips to open COM file
Can't open the COM file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open COM files as well as a list of programs that support COM files.
COM file extension
| File Name |
DOS Command Format |
| File Developer |
Microsoft |
| File Category |
Executable Files |
The COM file is supported on 2 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the COM files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the COM file on each system platform.
What is COM file?
The file in the COM format belongs to the Executable Files category. It was designed by Microsoft. Executable Files consists of 140 similar files. DOS Command Format appears on 2 operating systems as a functional file. These systems consist of Mac OS, Windows, although it may occasionally be found on another system, it will be non-functional. There are also 2 alternative programs to handle the COM file. Microsoft Windows, FixExec will apply when it is not possible to use Parallels Desktop.
How to open COM file?
The main problem with DOS Command Format is that the COM file is incorrectly associated with programs. Thus, when you open COM, the program selection wizard or some other program starts. How to solve such a problem?
The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the COM 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 Parallels Desktop
An often overlooked issue is to make sure that Parallels Desktop is installed on the computer. To do this, enter the name Parallels Desktop into the system search engine. In the absence of an appropriate program, its installation in the vast majority of cases will fix the problem. Below you will find a list of applications that support COM files.
Programs to open COM file
Remember to download programs supporting COM files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.
Step 2. Create association of Parallels Desktop with COM files
If, despite the installed application, the COM file does not start in the Parallels Desktop application, you must create a file association. This option is available from the level of Properties of a specific file available in the context menu. Information about the file and the program that the file is associated with are available here. 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. However, it is important to check the "Always use the selected program ..." box, this will allow you to permanently associate the COM file with the Parallels Desktop application.
Step 3. Update Parallels Desktop to the latest version
If, however, after binding Parallels Desktop with DOS Command Format there were still problems, you should update the program to the latest version.
Of course, it may happen that despite the above steps, the file still does not work. File problems can be divided into the following:
Very often, the file may be size 0 or incomplete. This is most often caused by a problem while downloading the COM file. The only repair option is to download the file again.
The operating system may be infected with a computer virus. A quick virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should clear up any doubts. If this is not possible, you can use the online scanner. The scan should cover the entire computer, not only the COM file that we want to open. As a result of the scan, sometimes it is not possible to recover COM files, which are deleted if there is a backup of this file, then after restoring it, it must also be scanned.
This can happen especially when the program is dynamically developed and the structure of the COM files changes over time. Help should be sought from the software developer, as they usually recommend using free file converters or installing an older version of the program.
There can be many reasons for the failure. Repairing is very dependent on the file type. Some programs offer the option of recovering data from damaged COM files.
The program indicates that the file is encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted COM files can be used by the device on which they were encrypted, on any other device it is required to have the appropriate cryptographic key and decrypt the file before its recovery.
The operating system protects files in some locations (e.g. the root of the system partition) against unauthorized access. The problem is only writing to the file, not reading it. If possible, you can try to move the COM file to another location.
This problem only occurs with more complex files. You may find that another program you are using is preventing you from working with the file. Just close unnecessary programs. Sometimes it is necessary to wait a while before referencing the COM file again. However, some background programs may block the COM file while scanning. If this does not work either, restart the device.
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