Tips to open WK4 file

Can't open the WK4 file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open WK4 files as well as a list of programs that support WK4 files.

WK4 file extension

File Name Lotus 4 Worksheet
File Developer IBM
File Category Data Files

The WK4 file is supported on 3 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the WK4 files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the WK4 file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 5
  • 1
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is WK4 file?

The file with the extension WK4 is the Data Files file type. The author of this format is IBM. Additionally, the Data Files category contains 1326 of other files. Lotus 4 Worksheet appears on 3 operating systems as a functional file. These systems consist of Linux, Mac OS, Windows, although it may occasionally be found on another system, it will be non-functional. The Lotus 1-2-3 application is recommended to open the file. It was released by IBM. This file type can also be opened by 6 other programs. Microsoft Excel, WordPerfect Office, ABC Amber Text Converter, Corel Quattro Pro will apply when it is not possible to use Lotus 1-2-3.

How to open WK4 file?

The main problem with Lotus 4 Worksheet is that the WK4 file is incorrectly associated with programs. This is manifested by the fact that WK4 files open in unusual applications or do not have an assigned program. This can be quickly resolved by following the instructions below.

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the WK4 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

An often overlooked issue is to make sure that Lotus 1-2-3 is installed on the computer. This can be achieved by typing Lotus 1-2-3 into the operating system search engine. In the absence of an appropriate program, its installation in the vast majority of cases will fix the problem. Later in this article you will find a list of programs that can open WK4 files.

Step 2. Create association of Lotus 1-2-3 with WK4 files

If the application is or has been freshly installed, but the WK4 file still does not use the Lotus 1-2-3 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. 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 WK4 file with the Lotus 1-2-3 application.

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

If, however, after binding Lotus 1-2-3 with Lotus 4 Worksheet there were still problems, you should update the program to the latest version. In this case, use the IBM website or update the program from the application.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the WK4 file

Of course, it may happen that despite the above steps, the file still does not work. The most common file problems are:

Very often, the file may be size 0 or incomplete. This is most often caused by a problem while downloading the WK4 file. 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 WK4 file that we want to open. Sometimes virus-infected WK4 files cannot be recovered, so make a backup in advance.
This can happen especially when the program is dynamically developed and the structure of the WK4 files changes over time. Help should be sought from the software developer, as they usually recommend using free file converters or installing an older version of the program.
The file may be corrupted in a number of ways. Repairing is very dependent on the file type. Some programs offer the ability to automatically repair WK4 file corruption. The easiest way is to restore the file from a backup, if there is one, or contact IBM
The program indicates that the file is encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted WK4 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 WK4 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. Sometimes you have to wait for the session to the file WK4 to close. However, some background programs may block the WK4 file while scanning. If nothing helps, please reset the device.