Tips to open MPQ file

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

MPQ file extension

File Name Blizzard Entertainment Archive
File Developer Blizzard Entertainment, Inc.
File Category Archive Files

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

Operating systems
  • 8
  • 2
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is MPQ file?

The file with the extension MPQ is the Archive Files file type. It was designed by Blizzard Entertainment, Inc.. In addition to this file, the Archive Files category includes 619 related files. Blizzard Entertainment Archive is supported by 3 operating systems. These systems consist of Linux, Mac OS, Windows, although it may occasionally be found on another system, it will be non-functional. The main program that supports this format is MPQ Editor. This was created by Ladislav Zezula. Alternatively, you can use 10 other programs. You can use StarCraft II, Diablo III, Starcraft, StormLibrary in case MPQ Editor cannot be used.

How to open MPQ file?

The main problem with Blizzard Entertainment Archive is that the MPQ file is incorrectly associated with programs. Thus, when you open MPQ, 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 MPQ 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 MPQ Editor

The first step is to check if the computer has the MPQ Editor program installed. This can be achieved by typing MPQ Editor into the operating system search engine. If it is not, installation may solve the problem, as most applications create file associations during installation. Below is a list of programs that support the file MPQ.

Step 2. Create association of MPQ Editor with MPQ files

If, despite the installed application, the MPQ file does not start in the MPQ Editor application, you must create a file 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 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. However, it is important to check the "Always use the selected program ..." box, this will allow you to permanently associate the MPQ file with the MPQ Editor application.

Step 3. Update MPQ Editor to the latest version

If, despite the association of the MPQ Editor program with the Blizzard Entertainment Archive file, the file still does not open, check the program version and possibly update it to the newest version. This can be done using the application (if it provides such options) or from the Ladislav Zezula website and install the latest version.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the MPQ 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 MPQ file may be unusually small compared to the original file. This is most often caused by a problem while downloading the MPQ file. The file should be downloaded again, making sure that the process has finished correctly.
The computer may have fallen victim to a computer virus or hacker. A virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should fix the problem. Some antivirus vendors also provide free online scanners. The scan should cover the entire computer, not only the MPQ file that we want to open. As a result of the scan, sometimes it is not possible to recover MPQ files, which are deleted if there is a backup of this file, then after restoring it, it must also be scanned.
A typical compatibility error - the program does not support the older version of the MPQ file. These problems are known and are often very easy to fix using the software developers's website.
The file may be corrupted in a number of ways. Repairing is very dependent on the file type. Some programs offer the ability to automatically repair MPQ file corruption. You can restore the file from a backup or use Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. help.
The program can also signal the fact of encryption. The encrypted file MPQ 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 operating systems do not allow file operations in certain locations, eg in system directories or directly on the system drive. While there is usually no problem reading such a file, it may not be possible to save it. If possible, you can try to move the MPQ file to another location.
This problem usually affects more complex files. 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 it is necessary to wait a while before referencing the MPQ file again. Some anti-virus or backup software may occupy the MPQ file for a certain period of time. If nothing helps, please reset the device.