Tips to open TCX file

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

TCX file extension

File Name Training Center Database Format
File Developer Garmin
File Category Data Files

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

Operating systems
  • 1
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is TCX file?

The file in the TCX format belongs to the Data Files category. The creator of this file is Garmin. Additionally, the Data Files category contains 1326 of other files. Training Center Database Format is most often found on 3 operating systems. These systems consist of Mac OS, Web, Windows, although it may occasionally be found on another system, it will be non-functional. It is recommended to use Garmin Training Center to handle this file. This is a program created by Garmin Ltd.. This file type can also be opened by 2 other programs. The Garmin Connect programs will also handle the file when the Garmin Training Center program does not fulfill its role.

How to open TCX file?

An often recurring problem with Training Center Database Format is that TCX is not associated with the correct program file. This causes the file TCX to open by system applications not designed for this purpose, or to display a message that there is no associated program. This can be quickly resolved by following the instructions below.

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the TCX 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 Garmin Training Center

The first step is to check if the computer has the Garmin Training Center program installed. The easiest method is to use the system search engine by entering the program name Garmin Training Center in it. If it is not, installation may solve the problem, as most applications create file associations during installation. Later in this article you will find a list of programs that can open TCX files.

Programs to open TCX file

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

Step 2. Create association of Garmin Training Center with TCX files

If the application is or has been freshly installed, but the TCX file still does not use the Garmin Training Center program, it means no association. The association can be created using the drop-down list available by right-clicking on the file and selecting Properties. The displayed window will contain information about the program that supports this type of file. 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. The "always use the selected program ..." field will set the Garmin Training Center application as the default for handling the TCX file.

Step 3. Update Garmin Training Center to the latest version

If, however, after binding Garmin Training Center with Training Center Database Format there were still problems, you should update the program to the latest version. Some applications allow you to update from the program level, and for others you need to download the installer from the Garmin Ltd. page and install.

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

The problem may also be with the file itself if the above steps don't work. File problems can be divided into the following:

The TCX file may be unusually small compared to the original file. This suggests truncating the TCX file contents when downloading or copying. Downloading the file again should fix the problem.
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. For the best results, we will scan the entire operating system, not just our TCX file. As a result of the scan, sometimes it is not possible to recover TCX files, which are deleted if there is a backup of this file, then after restoring it, it must also be scanned.
Older version of TCX file may not always be supported by the latest software version. 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 this. Depending on the type of file, it is necessary to repair it accordingly. Some programs offer the ability to automatically repair TCX file corruption. The easiest way is to restore the file from a backup, if there is one, or contact Garmin
The program indicates that the file is encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted TCX files cannot be played on other computers than the one on which they were encrypted, they must be decrypted before using on another device.
The operating system protects files in some locations (e.g. the root of the system partition) against unauthorized access. These directories are write-protected to them and it's very hard to fix this problem. Copying the TCX file to another location will fix the problem.
This can happen on a file that does not support multiple access. You may find that another program you are using is preventing you from working with the file. Just close unnecessary programs. If the error persists after closing other programs, wait for a while. Some anti-virus or backup software may occupy the TCX file for a certain period of time. If this does not work either, restart the device.