Tips to open CSV file
Can't open the CSV file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open CSV files as well as a list of programs that support CSV files.
CSV file extension
| File Name |
Comma Separated Values Format |
| File Category |
Data Files |
The CSV file is supported on 4 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the CSV files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the CSV file on each system platform.
What is CSV file?
The file with the extension CSV is the Data Files file type. Data Files consists of 1326 similar files. Comma Separated Values Format is most often found on 4 operating systems. The file will work on , Linux, Mac OS, Windows systems, unfortunately not on others. The main program that supports this format is Microsoft Excel. This was created by Microsoft Corporation. There are also 21 alternative programs to handle the CSV file. You can use Apache OpenOffice, Microsoft Works, LibreOffice, Windows Notepad in case Microsoft Excel cannot be used.
How to open CSV file?
The most common problem when using Comma Separated Values Format is that a specific CSV is not associated with the program. Thus, when you open CSV, 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 CSV 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 Excel
The first step is to check if the computer has the Microsoft Excel program installed. To do this, enter the name Microsoft Excel into the system search engine. If we do not have this program, it is worth installing it, as it will help you automatically associate the file CSV with Microsoft Excel. Below is a list of programs that support the file CSV.
Programs to open CSV file
Remember to download programs supporting CSV files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.
Step 2. Create association of Microsoft Excel with CSV files
However, it may happen that the application itself does not cause the CSV file to open in the Microsoft Excel 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 displayed window will contain information about the program that supports this type of 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 CSV file with the Microsoft Excel program.
Step 3. Update Microsoft Excel to the latest version
If, despite the association of the Microsoft Excel program with the Comma Separated Values Format file, the file still does not open, check the program version and possibly update it to the newest version. In this case, use the Microsoft Corporation website or update the program from the application.
Step 4. Check for the following problems with the CSV file
The problem may also be with the file itself if the above steps don't work. The most common file problems are:
The affected file may be 0 KB or smaller than expected. Usually this applies to CSV files downloaded from the Internet in case the download did not finish properly. Downloading the file again should fix the problem.
The most common cause here is computer viruses. A virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should fix the problem. If this is not possible, you can use the online scanner. However, it is important to scan the entire system, not only the file CSV or the program directory. As a result of the scan, sometimes it is not possible to recover CSV files, which are deleted if there is a backup of this file, then after restoring it, it must also be scanned.
Older version of CSV 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 CSV file corruption. The easiest way to restore the file is from a backup or by contacting N/A, but this one can be expensive. Not all damage can be reversed.
The program can also signal the fact of encryption. The encrypted CSV 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 operating systems do not allow file operations in certain locations, eg in system directories or directly on the system drive. While there is usually no problem reading such a file, it may not be possible to save it. If possible, you can try to move the CSV file to another location.
This can happen on a file that does not support multiple access. Some file types can only be opened in one program at a time. Running programs (including those in the background) should be verified. Sometimes you have to wait for the session to the file CSV to close. Antivirus programs or a backup being made may lock the file for a while without the user's knowledge. If the problem persists, restart the machine.
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