Tips to open DEF file

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

DEF file extension

File Name Module-Definition Format
File Category Developer Files

The DEF file is supported on 3 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the DEF files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the DEF file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 7
  • 0
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is DEF file?

The DEF file has been categorized as Developer Files. Additionally, the Developer Files category contains 1205 of other files. Module-Definition Format appears on 3 operating systems as a functional file. These systems consist of , Linux, Windows, although it may occasionally be found on another system, it will be non-functional. It is recommended to use Microsoft Visual Studio to handle this file. This is a program created by Microsoft Corporation. This file type can also be opened by 9 other programs. The AutoCAD, Visual C++, ArcView, SmartWare programs will also handle the file when the Microsoft Visual Studio program does not fulfill its role.

How to open DEF file?

The main problem with Module-Definition Format is that the DEF file is incorrectly associated with programs. Thus, when you open DEF, 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 DEF 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 Visual Studio

An often overlooked issue is to make sure that Microsoft Visual Studio is installed on the computer. To do this, enter the name Microsoft Visual Studio into the system search engine. If it is not, installation may solve the problem, as most applications create file associations during installation. Below you will find a list of applications that support DEF files.

Step 2. Create association of Microsoft Visual Studio with DEF files

If the application is or has been freshly installed, but the DEF file still does not use the Microsoft Visual Studio program, it means no 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. 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 DEF file with the Microsoft Visual Studio program.

Step 3. Update Microsoft Visual Studio to the latest version

The fault may also lie with the Microsoft Visual Studio program, it is possible that Module-Definition Format requires a newer version of the program. Some applications allow you to update from the program level, and for others you need to download the installer from the Microsoft Corporation page and install.

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

The problem may also be with the file itself if the above steps don't work. This could be due to the file itself, the cleanest issues are:

The DEF file may be unusually small compared to the original file. This is most often caused by a problem while downloading the DEF file. 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. The scan should cover the entire computer, not only the DEF file that we want to open. However, remember that not every infected DEF file can be recovered, so it is important to take care of regular backups.
Older version of DEF file may not always be supported by the latest software version. These problems are known and are often very easy to fix using the software developers's website.
There can be many reasons for this. Depending on the type of file, it is necessary to repair it accordingly. Sometimes the program itself has options to repair the most popular DEF 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.
When reading, a message appears that the file was encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted file DEF 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.
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. It is best to move DEF to a different directory.
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 you have to wait for the session to the file DEF to close. Some anti-virus or backup software may occupy the DEF file for a certain period of time. If nothing helps, please reset the device.