Tips to open OBI file

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

OBI file extension

File Name Outlook RSS Subscription Format
File Developer Microsoft
File Category Settings Files

The OBI file is supported on 1 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the OBI files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the OBI file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 2
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is OBI file?

The file with the extension OBI is the Settings Files file type. It was designed by Microsoft. Settings Files consists of 1305 similar files. Outlook RSS Subscription Format is most often found on 1 operating systems. The file will work on Windows systems, unfortunately not on others. It is recommended to use Microsoft Outlook to handle this file. This is a program created by Microsoft Corporation. There are also 1 alternative programs to handle the OBI file. You can use Microsoft Office in case Microsoft Outlook cannot be used.

How to open OBI file?

The most common problem when using Outlook RSS Subscription Format is that a specific OBI is not associated with the program. This is manifested by the fact that OBI 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 OBI 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 Microsoft Outlook

An often overlooked issue is to make sure that Microsoft Outlook is installed on the computer. The easiest method is to use the system search engine by entering the program name Microsoft Outlook in it. If it is not, installation may solve the problem, as most applications create file associations during installation. Below you will find a list of applications that support OBI files.

Programs to open OBI file

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

Step 2. Create association of Microsoft Outlook with OBI files

If the application is or has been freshly installed, but the OBI file still does not use the Microsoft Outlook 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 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. 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. However, it is important to check the "Always use the selected program ..." box, this will allow you to permanently associate the OBI file with the Microsoft Outlook application.

Step 3. Update Microsoft Outlook to the latest version

The fault may also lie with the Microsoft Outlook program, it is possible that Outlook RSS Subscription Format requires a newer version of the program. This can be done using the application (if it provides such options) or from the Microsoft Corporation website and install the latest version.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the OBI file

If the above steps do not help, you can assume that the file itself is not correct. This could be due to the file itself, the cleanest issues are:

The affected file may be 0 KB or smaller than expected. This is most often caused by a problem while downloading the OBI file. The only repair option is to download the file again.
The computer may have fallen victim to a computer virus or hacker. A quick virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should clear up any doubts. If this is not possible, you can use the online scanner. However, it is important to scan the entire system, not only the file OBI or the program directory. Sometimes virus-infected OBI files cannot be recovered, so make a backup in advance.
A typical compatibility error - the program does not support the older version of the OBI 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.
There can be many reasons for this. Depending on the type of file, it is necessary to repair it accordingly. Some programs offer the option of recovering data from damaged OBI files. The easiest way to restore the file is from a backup or by contacting Microsoft, but this one can be expensive. Not all damage can be reversed.
The program can also signal the fact of encryption. The encrypted OBI files cannot be played on other computers than the one on which they were encrypted, they must be decrypted before using on another device.
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 OBI 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. Just close unnecessary programs. If the error persists after closing other programs, wait for a while. Some anti-virus or backup software may occupy the OBI file for a certain period of time. If the problem persists, restart the machine.