Tips to open ETA file

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

ETA file extension

File Name Google Earth Placemark Format
File Developer Google
File Category GIS Files

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

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

What is ETA file?

The file with the extension ETA is the GIS Files file type. It was designed by Google. GIS Files consists of 255 similar files. Google Earth Placemark Format is supported by 3 operating systems. The file will work on Linux, Mac OS, Windows systems, unfortunately not on others. The main program that supports this format is Google Earth. This was created by Google Inc.. This file type can also be opened by 2 other programs.

How to open ETA file?

The most common problem when using Google Earth Placemark Format is that a specific ETA is not associated with the program. Thus, when you open ETA, 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 ETA 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 Google Earth

An often overlooked issue is to make sure that Google Earth is installed on the computer. To do this, enter the name Google Earth 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 is a list of programs that support the file ETA.

Programs to open ETA file

Remember to download programs supporting ETA files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.

Step 2. Create association of Google Earth with ETA files

If the application is or has been freshly installed, but the ETA file still does not use the Google Earth program, it means no association. The association can be created using the drop-down list available by right-clicking on the file and selecting Properties. The displayed window will contain information about the program that supports this type of file. Using the "Change" button we can set the program to handle this type. It may happen that in the next window there will be no appropriate program - however, this can be corrected with the "Browse" option where you should manually indicate the program location. Checking the "Always use the selected program ..." box will permanently associate the ETA file with the Google Earth program.

Step 3. Update Google Earth to the latest version

If, despite the association of the Google Earth program with the Google Earth Placemark 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 Google Inc. website or update the program from the application.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the ETA 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 ETA file may be unusually small compared to the original file. Usually this applies to ETA files downloaded from the Internet in case the download did not finish properly. The file should be downloaded again, making sure that the process has finished correctly.
The most common cause here is computer viruses. Perform a virus scan using available and up-to-date anti-virus software. Alternatively, you can use the scanners available online. However, it is important to scan the entire system, not only the file ETA or the program directory. However, remember that not every infected ETA file can be recovered, so it is important to take care of regular backups.
A typical compatibility error - the program does not support the older version of the ETA file. 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.
The file may be corrupted in a number of ways. Depending on the type of file, it is necessary to repair it accordingly. Some programs offer the ability to automatically repair ETA file corruption. You can restore the file from a backup or use Google help.
The program indicates that the file is encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted ETA files cannot be played on other computers than the one on which they were encrypted, they must be decrypted before using on another device.
The operating system protects files in some locations (e.g. the root of the system partition) against unauthorized access. While there is usually no problem reading such a file, it may not be possible to save it. Copying the ETA file to another location will fix the problem.
This can happen on a file that does not support multiple access. In this case, the ETA file is blocked by the first application to open it. Closing other programs should help. Sometimes it is necessary to wait a while before referencing the ETA file again. 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.