Tips to open FODS file

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

FODS file extension

File Name OpenDocument Flat XML Spreadsheet
File Developer Oracle
File Category Spreadsheet Files

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

Operating systems
  • 3
  • 4
  • 2
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is FODS file?

The file with the extension FODS is the Spreadsheet Files file type. The creator of this file is Oracle. Additionally, the Spreadsheet Files category contains 100 of other files. OpenDocument Flat XML Spreadsheet is most often found on 3 operating systems. Although it can be found with greater or lesser success on any operating system, it will only be useful on Linux, Mac OS, Windows. The Apache OpenOffice application is recommended to open the file. It was released by Apache Software Foundation. This file type can also be opened by 8 other programs. LibreOffice, NeoOffice, Windows Notepad, NotePad++ text editor will apply when it is not possible to use Apache OpenOffice.

How to open FODS file?

An often recurring problem with OpenDocument Flat XML Spreadsheet is that FODS is not associated with the correct program file. Thus, when you open FODS, 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 FODS 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 Apache OpenOffice

In this case, you should first verify that the Apache OpenOffice application is installed on the computer. This can be achieved by typing Apache OpenOffice into the operating 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 FODS files.

Step 2. Create association of Apache OpenOffice with FODS files

If the application is or has been freshly installed, but the FODS file still does not use the Apache OpenOffice program, it means no association. 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. 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. However, it is important to check the "Always use the selected program ..." box, this will allow you to permanently associate the FODS file with the Apache OpenOffice application.

Step 3. Update Apache OpenOffice to the latest version

If, however, after binding Apache OpenOffice with OpenDocument Flat XML Spreadsheet there were still problems, you should update the program to the latest version. In this case, use the Apache Software Foundation website or update the program from the application.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the FODS 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 FODS file may be unusually small compared to the original file. Usually this applies to FODS files downloaded from the Internet in case the download did not finish properly. Downloading the file again should fix the problem.
The computer may have fallen victim to a computer virus or hacker. Perform a virus scan using available and up-to-date anti-virus software. Alternatively, you can use the scanners available online. The scan should cover the entire computer, not only the FODS file that we want to open. As a result of the scan, sometimes it is not possible to recover FODS 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 FODS 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.
The file may be corrupted in a number of ways. The repair method must be adapted to the type of file and damage. Sometimes the program itself has options to repair the most popular FODS file corruption. The easiest way to restore the file is from a backup or by contacting Oracle, but this one can be expensive. Not all damage can be reversed.
The program can also signal the fact of encryption. The encrypted file FODS 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.
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 FODS 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. Just close unnecessary programs. Sometimes it is necessary to wait a while before referencing the FODS file again. Antivirus programs or a backup being made may lock the file for a while without the user's knowledge. If nothing helps, please reset the device.