Tips to open TZX file

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

TZX file extension

File Name ZX Spectrum Tape Image Format
File Category Disk Image Files

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

Operating systems
  • 5
  • 2
  • 3
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is TZX file?

The file with the extension TZX is the Disk Image Files file type. Disk Image Files consists of 203 similar files. ZX Spectrum Tape Image Format is most often found on 3 operating systems. The file will work on Linux, Mac OS, Windows systems, unfortunately not on others. There are also 9 alternative programs to handle the TZX file. Spectaculator, RealSpectrum, Speccy, GLECK will apply when it is not possible to use ZXSP-OSX.

How to open TZX file?

An often recurring problem with ZX Spectrum Tape Image Format is that TZX is not associated with the correct program file. Thus, when you open TZX, the program selection wizard or some other program starts. This problem can be easily remedied.

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the TZX 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 ZXSP-OSX

In this case, you should first verify that the ZXSP-OSX application is installed on the computer. To do this, enter the name ZXSP-OSX into the system search engine. If we do not have this program, it is worth installing it, as it will help you automatically associate the file TZX with ZXSP-OSX. Below you will find a list of applications that support TZX files.

Step 2. Create association of ZXSP-OSX with TZX files

If, despite the installed application, the TZX file does not start in the ZXSP-OSX 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. Using the "Change" button we can select the desired program. 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 ZXSP-OSX application as the default for handling the TZX file.

Step 3. Update ZXSP-OSX to the latest version

If, despite the association of the ZXSP-OSX program with the ZX Spectrum Tape Image 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 TZX file

Of course, it may happen that despite the above steps, the file still does not work. File problems can be divided into the following:

Very often, the file may be size 0 or incomplete. This suggests truncating the TZX 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. A quick virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should clear up any doubts. Some antivirus vendors also provide free online scanners. The scan should cover the entire computer, not only the TZX file that we want to open. However, remember that not every infected TZX file can be recovered, so it is important to take care of regular backups.
This can happen especially when the program is dynamically developed and the structure of the TZX files changes over time. These problems are known and are often very easy to fix using the software developers's website.
The file may be corrupted in a number of ways. The repair method must be adapted to the type of file and damage. Sometimes the program itself has options to repair the most popular TZX file corruption.
The program can also signal the fact of encryption. The encrypted TZX files can be used by the device on which they were encrypted, on any other device it is required to have the appropriate cryptographic key and decrypt the file before its recovery.
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 TZX file to another location.
This problem only occurs with more complex files. In this case, the TZX file is blocked by the first application to open it. Just close unnecessary programs. Sometimes it is necessary to wait a while before referencing the TZX file again. Some anti-virus or backup software may occupy the TZX file for a certain period of time. If this does not work either, restart the device.