Tips to open VMC file

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

VMC file extension

File Name Windows Virtual Machine Configuration Format
File Developer Microsoft
File Category Settings Files

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

Operating systems
  • 7
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is VMC file?

The file in the VMC format belongs to the Settings Files category. The creator of this file is Microsoft. In addition to this file, the Settings Files category includes 1305 related files. Windows Virtual Machine Configuration Format is supported by 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. It is recommended to use Microsoft Virtual Server to handle this file. This is a program created by Microsoft Corporation. This file type can also be opened by 7 other programs. You can use VMware Workstation, VMware vCenter Converter, Microsoft Virtual PC, VMware Player in case Microsoft Virtual Server cannot be used.

How to open VMC file?

An often recurring problem with Windows Virtual Machine Configuration Format is that VMC is not associated with the correct program file. This causes the file VMC to open by system applications not designed for this purpose, or to display a message that there is no associated program. This problem can be easily remedied.

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the VMC 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 Virtual Server

The first step is to check if the computer has the Microsoft Virtual Server program installed. To do this, enter the name Microsoft Virtual Server 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 VMC files.

Step 2. Create association of Microsoft Virtual Server with VMC files

If, despite the installed application, the VMC file does not start in the Microsoft Virtual Server application, you must create a file association. The association can be created using the drop-down list available by right-clicking on the file and selecting 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. The program should be visible in the window, otherwise it should be selected manually using the "Browse" button and the program installation directory should be indicated. However, it is important to check the "Always use the selected program ..." box, this will allow you to permanently associate the VMC file with the Microsoft Virtual Server application.

Step 3. Update Microsoft Virtual Server to the latest version

If, despite the association of the Microsoft Virtual Server program with the Windows Virtual Machine Configuration Format file, the file still does not open, check the program version and possibly update it to the newest 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 VMC file

The problem may also be with the file itself if the above steps don't work. The most common file problems are:

Very often, the file may be size 0 or incomplete. This suggests truncating the VMC file contents when downloading or copying. The only repair option is to download the file again.
The operating system may be infected with a computer virus. A quick virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should clear up any doubts. Some antivirus vendors also provide free online scanners. For the best results, we will scan the entire operating system, not just our VMC file. As a result of the scan, sometimes it is not possible to recover VMC files, which are deleted if there is a backup of this file, then after restoring it, it must also be scanned.
This can happen especially when the program is dynamically developed and the structure of the VMC files changes over time. 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 the failure. Depending on the type of file, it is necessary to repair it accordingly. Sometimes the program itself has options to repair the most popular VMC file corruption. The easiest way to restore the file is from a backup or by contacting Microsoft, but this one can be expensive. Not all damage can be reversed.
The program can also signal the fact of encryption. The encrypted VMC 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.
The operating system protects files in some locations (e.g. the root of the system partition) against unauthorized access. The problem is only writing to the file, not reading it. If possible, you can try to move the VMC file to another location.
This problem usually affects more complex files. You may find that another program you are using is preventing you from working with the file. Running programs (including those in the background) should be verified. If the error persists after closing other programs, wait for a while. However, some background programs may block the VMC file while scanning. If this does not work either, restart the device.