Tips to open OV2 file

Can't open the OV2 file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open OV2 files as well as a list of programs that support OV2 files.

OV2 file extension

File Name TomTom Points Of Interest Database
File Developer TomTom
File Category GIS Files

The OV2 file is supported on 2 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the OV2 files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the OV2 file on each system platform.

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

What is OV2 file?

The file with the extension OV2 is the GIS Files file type. The creator of this file is TomTom. Additionally, the GIS Files category contains 255 of other files. TomTom Points Of Interest Database is supported by 2 operating systems. The file will work on Mac OS, Windows systems, unfortunately not on others. There are also 3 alternative programs to handle the OV2 file. TomTom HOME, GPSBabel will apply when it is not possible to use PoiView.

How to open OV2 file?

The main problem with TomTom Points Of Interest Database is that the OV2 file is incorrectly associated with programs. This is manifested by the fact that OV2 files open in unusual applications or do not have an assigned program. This can be quickly resolved by following the instructions below.

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the OV2 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 PoiView

An often overlooked issue is to make sure that PoiView is installed on the computer. To do this, enter the name PoiView into the 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 OV2.

Programs to open OV2 file

Remember to download programs supporting OV2 files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.

Step 2. Create association of PoiView with OV2 files

If the application is or has been freshly installed, but the OV2 file still does not use the PoiView program, it means no association. This option is available from the level of Properties of a specific file available in the context menu. The displayed window will contain information about the program that supports this type of file. Using the "Change" button we can select the desired program. If there is no software on the list, simply select "Browse" and manually select the directory where the application is installed. The "always use the selected program ..." field will set the PoiView application as the default for handling the OV2 file.

Step 3. Update PoiView to the latest version

If, however, after binding PoiView with TomTom Points Of Interest Database there were still problems, you should update the program to the latest version.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the OV2 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 affected file may be 0 KB or smaller than expected. Usually this applies to OV2 files downloaded from the Internet in case the download did not finish properly. The file should be downloaded again, making sure that the process has finished correctly.
The most common cause here is computer viruses. Perform a virus scan using available and up-to-date anti-virus software. Some antivirus vendors also provide free online scanners. However, it is important to scan the entire system, not only the file OV2 or the program directory. However, remember that not every infected OV2 file can be recovered, so it is important to take care of regular backups.
This can happen especially when the program is dynamically developed and the structure of the OV2 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. The repair method must be adapted to the type of file and damage. Some programs offer the ability to automatically repair OV2 file corruption.
The program indicates that the file is encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted file OV2 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. 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 OV2 file to another location.
This problem only occurs with more complex files. In this case, the OV2 file is blocked by the first application to open it. Running programs (including those in the background) should be verified. Sometimes it is necessary to wait a while before referencing the OV2 file again. Some anti-virus or backup software may occupy the OV2 file for a certain period of time. If this does not work either, restart the device.