Tips to open M4B file
Can't open the M4B file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open M4B files as well as a list of programs that support M4B files.
M4B file extension
| File Name |
MPEG-4 Audio Book Format |
| File Developer |
Apple |
| File Category |
Audio Files |
The M4B file is supported on 4 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the M4B files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the M4B file on each system platform.
What is M4B file?
The .M4B file is an audio file. It is a variant of the .M4A file intended only for audiobooks, i.e. books you read. Files of this type are distributed by Apple iTunes. They are usually equipped with a DRM mechanism, which allows you to play them only in the Apple player on the device on which it was purchased. Files without this mechanism can also be opened by other applications, although some applications do not support this extension. It is enough to change the extension to .M4A.
How to open M4B file?
The main problem with MPEG-4 Audio Book Format is that the M4B file is incorrectly associated with programs. This causes the file M4B to open by system applications not designed for this purpose, or to display a message that there is no associated program. How to solve such a problem?
The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the M4B 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
An often overlooked issue is to make sure that iTunes is installed on the computer. To do this, enter the name iTunes into the system search engine. If it is not, installation may solve the problem, as most applications create file associations during installation. Later in this article you will find a list of programs that can open M4B files.
Programs to open M4B file
Remember to download programs supporting M4B files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.
Step 2. Create association of iTunes with M4B files
If the application is or has been freshly installed, but the M4B file still does not use the iTunes program, it means no association. It is most convenient to call the context menu with the right mouse button and select Properties. 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. Using the "Change" button we can set the program to handle this type. If there is no software on the list, simply select "Browse" and manually select the directory where the application is installed. However, it is important to check the "Always use the selected program ..." box, this will allow you to permanently associate the M4B file with the iTunes application.
Step 3. Update iTunes to the latest version
If, however, after binding iTunes with MPEG-4 Audio Book Format there were still problems, you should update the program to the latest version. This can be done using the application (if it provides such options) or from the Apple, Inc. website and install the latest version.
Step 4. Check for the following problems with the M4B file
The problem may also be with the file itself if the above steps don't work. File problems can be divided into the following:
The M4B file may be unusually small compared to the original file. Usually this applies to M4B files downloaded from the Internet in case the download did not finish properly. The only repair option is to download the file again.
The most common cause here is computer viruses. A virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should fix the problem. Some antivirus vendors also provide free online scanners. However, it is important to scan the entire system, not only the file M4B or the program directory. Sometimes virus-infected M4B files cannot be recovered, so make a backup in advance.
A typical compatibility error - the program does not support the older version of the M4B file. Help should be sought from the software developer, as they usually recommend using free file converters or installing 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. Sometimes the program itself has options to repair the most popular M4B file corruption. You can restore the file from a backup or use Apple help.
When reading, a message appears that the file was encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted M4B 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.
Some operating systems do not allow file operations in certain locations, eg in system directories or directly on the system drive. The problem is only writing to the file, not reading it. If possible, you can try to move the M4B file to another location.
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. Closing other programs should help. Sometimes you have to wait for the session to the file M4B to close. Some anti-virus or backup software may occupy the M4B file for a certain period of time. If this does not work either, restart the device.
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