Tips to open SLK file

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

SLK file extension

File Name Symbolic Link Format
File Developer Microsoft
File Category Data Files

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

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

What is SLK file?

The file with the extension SLK is the Data Files file type. The author of this format is Microsoft. Additionally, the Data Files category contains 1326 of other files. Symbolic Link Format is most often found on 2 operating systems. Although it can be found with greater or lesser success on any operating system, it will only be useful on Mac OS, Windows. The main program that supports this format is Microsoft Excel. This was created by Microsoft Corporation. This file type can also be opened by 10 other programs. You can use Microsoft Office, WordPerfect Office, PlanMaker, PlanMaker Viewer in case Microsoft Excel cannot be used.

How to open SLK file?

The most common problem when using Symbolic Link Format is that a specific SLK is not associated with the program. This is manifested by the fact that SLK 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 SLK 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 Excel

The first step is to check if the computer has the Microsoft Excel program installed. To do this, enter the name Microsoft Excel 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 SLK.

Step 2. Create association of Microsoft Excel with SLK files

However, it may happen that the application itself does not cause the SLK file to open in the Microsoft Excel 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. If there is no software on the list, simply select "Browse" and manually select the directory where the application is installed. However, it is important to check the "Always use the selected program ..." box, this will allow you to permanently associate the SLK file with the Microsoft Excel application.

Step 3. Update Microsoft Excel to the latest version

If, however, after binding Microsoft Excel with Symbolic Link Format there were still problems, you should update the program to the latest version. In this case, use the Microsoft Corporation website or update the program from the application.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the SLK 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 SLK file may be unusually small compared to the original file. Usually this applies to SLK files downloaded from the Internet in case the download did not finish properly. The only repair option is to download the file again.
The operating system may be infected with a computer virus. A virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should fix the problem. If this is not possible, you can use the online scanner. However, it is important to scan the entire system, not only the file SLK or the program directory. Sometimes virus-infected SLK files cannot be recovered, so make a backup in advance.
A typical compatibility error - the program does not support the older version of the SLK file. 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 ability to automatically repair SLK file corruption. You can restore the file from a backup or use Microsoft help.
The program indicates that the file is encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted file SLK 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. The problem is only writing to the file, not reading it. If possible, you can try to move the SLK file to another location.
This problem only occurs with more complex files. Some file types can only be opened in one program at a time. Just close unnecessary programs. Sometimes it is necessary to wait a while before referencing the SLK file again. However, some background programs may block the SLK file while scanning. If nothing helps, please reset the device.