Tips to open WK3 file

Can't open the WK3 file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open WK3 files as well as a list of programs that support WK3 files.

WK3 file extension

File Name Lotus 3 Worksheet
File Developer IBM
File Category Data Files

The WK3 file is supported on 2 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the WK3 files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the WK3 file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 4
  • 2
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is WK3 file?

The WK3 file has been categorized as Data Files. The author of this format is IBM. Additionally, the Data Files category contains 1326 of other files. Lotus 3 Worksheet appears on 2 operating systems as a functional file. These systems consist of Mac OS, Windows, although it may occasionally be found on another system, it will be non-functional. It is recommended to use Lotus 1-2-3 to handle this file. This is a program created by IBM. Alternatively, you can use 5 other programs. The Microsoft Excel, ABC Amber Text Converter, Corel Quattro Pro programs will also handle the file when the Lotus 1-2-3 program does not fulfill its role.

How to open WK3 file?

The main problem with Lotus 3 Worksheet is that the WK3 file is incorrectly associated with programs. This causes the file WK3 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 WK3 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 Lotus 1-2-3

In this case, you should first verify that the Lotus 1-2-3 application is installed on the computer. This can be achieved by typing Lotus 1-2-3 into the operating system search engine. If we do not have this program, it is worth installing it, as it will help you automatically associate the file WK3 with Lotus 1-2-3. Later in this article you will find a list of programs that can open WK3 files.

Step 2. Create association of Lotus 1-2-3 with WK3 files

If the application is or has been freshly installed, but the WK3 file still does not use the Lotus 1-2-3 program, it means no association. This option is available from the level of Properties of a specific file available in the context menu. The displayed window will contain information about the program that supports this type of file. Changes can be made using the "Change" button. 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. Checking the "Always use the selected program ..." box will permanently associate the WK3 file with the Lotus 1-2-3 program.

Step 3. Update Lotus 1-2-3 to the latest version

The fault may also lie with the Lotus 1-2-3 program, it is possible that Lotus 3 Worksheet requires a newer version of the program. This can be done using the application (if it provides such options) or from the IBM website and install the latest version.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the WK3 file

Of course, it may happen that despite the above steps, the file still does not work. This could be due to the file itself, the cleanest issues are:

The affected file may be 0 KB or smaller than expected. Usually this applies to WK3 files downloaded from the Internet in case the download did not finish properly. Downloading the file again should fix the problem.
The most common cause here is computer viruses. Perform a virus scan using available and up-to-date anti-virus software. Alternatively, you can use the scanners available online. For the best results, we will scan the entire operating system, not just our WK3 file. Sometimes virus-infected WK3 files cannot be recovered, so make a backup in advance.
A typical compatibility error - the program does not support the older version of the WK3 file. 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. The repair method must be adapted to the type of file and damage. Some programs offer the option of recovering data from damaged WK3 files. You can restore the file from a backup or use IBM help.
The program indicates that the file is encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted WK3 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 of the system directories are excluded from modification. While there is usually no problem reading such a file, it may not be possible to save it. Copying the WK3 file to another location will fix the problem.
This can happen on a file that does not support multiple access. In this case, the WK3 file is blocked by the first application to open it. Closing other programs should help. If the error persists after closing other programs, wait for a while. Some anti-virus or backup software may occupy the WK3 file for a certain period of time. If nothing helps, please reset the device.