Tips to open OVF file

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

OVF file extension

File Name Open Virtualization Format
File Developer VMware
File Category Data Files

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

Operating systems
  • 5
  • 2
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is OVF file?

The OVF file has been categorized as Data Files. The creator of this file is VMware. In addition to this file, the Data Files category includes 1326 related files. Open Virtualization Format 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. Alternatively, you can use 7 other programs. You can use VMware Workstation, VirtualBox, VMware vSphere, VMware Player in case VMware OVF Tool cannot be used.

How to open OVF file?

The most common problem when using Open Virtualization Format is that a specific OVF is not associated with the program. Thus, when you open OVF, the program selection wizard or some other program starts. How to solve such a problem?

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the OVF 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 VMware OVF Tool

In this case, you should first verify that the VMware OVF Tool application is installed on the computer. To do this, enter the name VMware OVF Tool into the system search engine. 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 OVF files.

Step 2. Create association of VMware OVF Tool with OVF files

However, it may happen that the application itself does not cause the OVF file to open in the VMware OVF Tool 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. Using the "Change" button we can set the program to handle this type. 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. Checking the "Always use the selected program ..." box will permanently associate the OVF file with the VMware OVF Tool program.

Step 3. Update VMware OVF Tool to the latest version

If, despite the association of the VMware OVF Tool program with the Open Virtualization Format file, the file still does not open, check the program version and possibly update it to the newest version.

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

Of course, it may happen that despite the above steps, the file still does not work. This could be due to the file itself, the cleanest issues are:

The OVF file may be unusually small compared to the original file. This suggests truncating the OVF file contents when downloading or copying. The file should be downloaded again, making sure that the process has finished correctly.
The most common cause here is computer viruses. A quick virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should clear up any doubts. Alternatively, you can use the scanners available online. However, it is important to scan the entire system, not only the file OVF or the program directory. As a result of the scan, sometimes it is not possible to recover OVF files, which are deleted if there is a backup of this file, then after restoring it, it must also be scanned.
Older version of OVF file may not always be supported by the latest software version. These problems are known and are often very easy to fix using the software developers's website.
There can be many reasons for this. Repairing is very dependent on the file type. Some programs offer the option of recovering data from damaged OVF files.
The program indicates that the file is encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted OVF 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 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. It is best to move OVF to a different directory.
This problem usually affects more complex files. You may find that another program you are using is preventing you from working with the file. Just close unnecessary programs. Sometimes you have to wait for the session to the file OVF to close. However, some background programs may block the OVF file while scanning. If the problem persists, restart the machine.