Tips to open RM file

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

RM file extension

File Name Real Media Format
File Developer RealNetworks
File Category Video Files

The RM file is supported on 5 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the RM files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the RM file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 8
  • 5
  • 3
  • 1
  • 1
  • 0

What is RM file?

The .RM file is a multimedia file. It can store video and audio tracks in RealMedia format. Partial files are .RA for the audio track and .RV for the video track. The successor of the .RM format is the .RMVB format, known for its relatively small files. The solutions are based on the proprietary RealNetworks codec, but there should be no problems with their playback. The solution is perfect for video and audio streaming. Unfortunately, the format lost its importance with the development of Internet access.

How to open RM file?

The most common problem when using Real Media Format is that a specific RM is not associated with the program. This is manifested by the fact that RM files open in unusual applications or do not have an assigned program. This problem can be easily remedied.

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the RM 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 RealPlayer

The first step is to check if the computer has the RealPlayer program installed. To do this, enter the name RealPlayer into the system search engine. In the absence of an appropriate program, its installation in the vast majority of cases will fix the problem. Below you will find a list of applications that support RM files.

Programs to open RM file

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

Step 2. Create association of RealPlayer with RM files

However, it may happen that the application itself does not cause the RM file to open in the RealPlayer application, but you can set it manually. This option is available from the level of Properties of a specific file available in the context menu. Information about the file and the program that the file is associated with are available here. 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. Checking the "Always use the selected program ..." box will permanently associate the RM file with the RealPlayer program.

Step 3. Update RealPlayer to the latest version

If, despite the association of the RealPlayer program with the Real Media Format file, the file still does not open, check the program version and possibly update it to the newest version. In this case, use the RealNetworks, Inc. website or update the program from the application.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the RM 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 RM file may be unusually small compared to the original file. Usually this applies to RM 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. A virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should fix the problem. Alternatively, you can use the scanners available online. However, it is important to scan the entire system, not only the file RM or the program directory. Sometimes virus-infected RM files cannot be recovered, so make a backup in advance.
This can happen especially when the program is dynamically developed and the structure of the RM files changes over time. These problems are known and are often very easy to fix using the software developers's website.
There can be many reasons for the failure. Depending on the type of file, it is necessary to repair it accordingly. Some programs offer the option of recovering data from damaged RM files. The easiest way is to restore the file from a backup, if there is one, or contact RealNetworks
When reading, a message appears that the file was encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted RM 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. The problem is only writing to the file, not reading it. If possible, you can try to move the RM file to another location.
This can happen on a file that does not support multiple access. Some file types can only be opened in one program at a time. Just close unnecessary programs. Sometimes you have to wait for the session to the file RM to close. Some anti-virus or backup software may occupy the RM file for a certain period of time. If this does not work either, restart the device.