Tips to open M3U file
Can't open the M3U file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open M3U files as well as a list of programs that support M3U files.
M3U file extension
| File Name |
Media Playlist Format |
| File Developer |
Nullsoft |
| File Category |
Audio Files |
The M3U file is supported on 4 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the M3U files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the M3U file on each system platform.
What is M3U file?
The .M3U file is a text file. It contains a playlist along with the location of the correct audio files and their order. The file was created to create lists for .MP3 files, but due to the open implementation it can be used to support other formats, and even video files. The file does not contain audio tracks, only a link to an existing file. .M3U files are widely used and used by most playback software. The .M3U file is also called MP3 URL.
How to open M3U file?
An often recurring problem with Media Playlist Format is that M3U is not associated with the correct program file. This is manifested by the fact that M3U files open in unusual applications or do not have an assigned program. How to solve such a problem?
The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the M3U 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 iTunes
The first step is to check if the computer has the iTunes program installed. To do this, enter the name iTunes 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 M3U with iTunes. Below is a list of programs that support the file M3U.
Programs to open M3U file
Remember to download programs supporting M3U files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.
Step 2. Create association of iTunes with M3U files
However, it may happen that the application itself does not cause the M3U file to open in the iTunes application, but you can set it manually. It is most convenient to call the context menu with the right mouse button and select Properties. Information about the file and the program that the file is associated with are available here. Changes can be made using the "Change" button. If there is no software on the list, simply select "Browse" and manually select the directory where the application is installed. Checking the "Always use the selected program ..." box will permanently associate the M3U file with the iTunes program.
Step 3. Update iTunes to the latest version
If, despite the association of the iTunes program with the Media Playlist Format file, the file still does not open, check the program version and possibly update it to the newest version. Some applications allow you to update from the program level, and for others you need to download the installer from the Apple, Inc. page and install.
Step 4. Check for the following problems with the M3U file
If the above steps do not help, you can assume that the file itself is not correct. The most common file problems are:
Very often, the file may be size 0 or incomplete. Usually this applies to M3U files downloaded from the Internet in case the download did not finish properly. The only repair option is to download the file again.
The operating system may be infected with a computer virus. A virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should fix the problem. Some antivirus vendors also provide free online scanners. For the best results, we will scan the entire operating system, not just our M3U file. As a result of the scan, sometimes it is not possible to recover M3U 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 M3U files changes over time. 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 the failure. Depending on the type of file, it is necessary to repair it accordingly. Some programs offer the ability to automatically repair M3U file corruption. The easiest way to restore the file is from a backup or by contacting Nullsoft, 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 M3U 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. While there is usually no problem reading such a file, it may not be possible to save it. Copying the M3U file to another location will fix the problem.
This can happen on a file that does not support multiple access. You may find that another program you are using is preventing you from working with the file. Running programs (including those in the background) should be verified. Sometimes you have to wait for the session to the file M3U to close. Some anti-virus or backup software may occupy the M3U file for a certain period of time. If the problem persists, restart the machine.
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