Tips to open VFS file

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

VFS file extension

File Name UFO Game Archive Format
File Category Game Files

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

Operating systems
  • 4
  • 0
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is VFS file?

The .VFS file is a game file. This format is used by games from the UFO series. The series is also known as X-COM, mainly in the United States. The file is not intended to be opened manually and is required to run the game. The games were released on various platforms, ranging from Amiga, through PC computers, to Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 consoles. Games usually combined elements of a broad-based strategy with the mission of defending humanity against cosmic invaders.

How to open VFS file?

The main problem with UFO Game Archive Format is that the VFS file is incorrectly associated with programs. This causes the file VFS 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 VFS 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 mount

The first step is to check if the computer has the mount program installed. To do this, enter the name mount 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 VFS with mount. Below is a list of programs that support the file VFS.

Step 2. Create association of mount with VFS files

However, it may happen that the application itself does not cause the VFS file to open in the mount 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 select the desired program. It may happen that in the next window there will be no appropriate program - however, this can be corrected with the "Browse" option where you should manually indicate the program location. Checking the "Always use the selected program ..." box will permanently associate the VFS file with the mount program.

Step 3. Update mount to the latest version

If, however, after binding mount with UFO Game Archive Format there were still problems, you should update the program to the latest version.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the VFS 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:

The VFS file may be unusually small compared to the original file. This is most often caused by a problem while downloading the VFS file. Downloading the file again should fix the problem.
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 VFS or the program directory. As a result of the scan, sometimes it is not possible to recover VFS 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 VFS 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 the failure. Repairing is very dependent on the file type. Some programs offer the ability to automatically repair VFS file corruption.
The program can also signal the fact of encryption. The encrypted VFS 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. While there is usually no problem reading such a file, it may not be possible to save it. If possible, you can try to move the VFS file to another location.
This problem only occurs with more complex files. In this case, the VFS file is blocked by the first application to open it. Running programs (including those in the background) should be verified. If the error persists after closing other programs, wait for a while. Some anti-virus or backup software may occupy the VFS file for a certain period of time. If the problem persists, restart the machine.