Tips to open TAB file
Can't open the TAB file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open TAB files as well as a list of programs that support TAB files.
TAB file extension
| File Name |
MapInfo TAB Format |
| File Developer |
Pitney Bowes Software |
| File Category |
GIS Files |
The TAB file is supported on 1 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the TAB files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the TAB file on each system platform.
What is TAB file?
The file with the extension TAB is the GIS Files file type. The author of this format is Pitney Bowes Software. In addition to this file, the GIS Files category includes 255 related files. MapInfo TAB 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 MapInfo to handle this file. This is a program created by Pitney Bowes Software Inc. (MapInfo). There are also 2 alternative programs to handle the TAB file. The ArcGIS Desktop, Didger programs will also handle the file when the MapInfo program does not fulfill its role.
How to open TAB file?
The main problem with MapInfo TAB Format is that the TAB file is incorrectly associated with programs. This is manifested by the fact that TAB 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 TAB 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 MapInfo
An often overlooked issue is to make sure that MapInfo is installed on the computer. To do this, enter the name MapInfo 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 TAB files.
Programs to open TAB file
Remember to download programs supporting TAB files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.
Step 2. Create association of MapInfo with TAB files
If, despite the installed application, the TAB file does not start in the MapInfo application, you must create a file association. 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. Changes can be made using the "Change" button. 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 MapInfo application as the default for handling the TAB file.
Step 3. Update MapInfo to the latest version
The fault may also lie with the MapInfo program, it is possible that MapInfo TAB Format requires a newer version of the program. In this case, use the Pitney Bowes Software Inc. (MapInfo) website or update the program from the application.
Step 4. Check for the following problems with the TAB file
If the above steps do not help, you can assume that the file itself is not correct. File problems can be divided into the following:
The TAB file may be unusually small compared to the original file. This is most often caused by a problem while downloading the TAB file. The file should be downloaded again, making sure that the process has finished correctly.
The computer may have fallen victim to a computer virus or hacker. Perform a virus scan using available and up-to-date anti-virus software. If this is not possible, you can use the online scanner. The scan should cover the entire computer, not only the TAB file that we want to open. As a result of the scan, sometimes it is not possible to recover TAB files, which are deleted if there is a backup of this file, then after restoring it, it must also be scanned.
A typical compatibility error - the program does not support the older version of the TAB file. Help should be sought from the software developer, as they usually recommend using free file converters or installing an older version of the program.
There can be many reasons for this. Repairing is very dependent on the file type. Some programs offer the ability to automatically repair TAB file corruption. The easiest way to restore the file is from a backup or by contacting Pitney Bowes Software, but this one can be expensive. Not all damage can be reversed.
The program indicates that the file is encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted file TAB 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 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. Copying the TAB file to another location will fix the problem.
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. Closing other programs should help. Sometimes it is necessary to wait a while before referencing the TAB file again. Antivirus programs or a backup being made may lock the file for a while without the user's knowledge. If the problem persists, restart the machine.
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