Tips to open WK5 file

Can't open the WK5 file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open WK5 files as well as a list of programs that support WK5 files.

WK5 file extension

File Name Lotus 5 Worksheet
File Developer IBM
File Category Data Files

The WK5 file is supported on 2 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the WK5 files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the WK5 file on each system platform.

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

What is WK5 file?

The file in the WK5 format belongs to the Data Files category. The creator of this file is IBM. In addition to this file, the Data Files category includes 1326 related files. Lotus 5 Worksheet is supported by 2 operating systems. These systems consist of 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. There are also 4 alternative programs to handle the WK5 file. Microsoft Excel, Corel Quattro Pro will apply when it is not possible to use Lotus 1-2-3.

How to open WK5 file?

The most common problem when using Lotus 5 Worksheet is that a specific WK5 is not associated with the program. This is manifested by the fact that WK5 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 WK5 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. The easiest method is to use the system search engine by entering the program name Lotus 1-2-3 in it. If we do not have this program, it is worth installing it, as it will help you automatically associate the file WK5 with Lotus 1-2-3. Later in this article you will find a list of programs that can open WK5 files.

Step 2. Create association of Lotus 1-2-3 with WK5 files

If the application is or has been freshly installed, but the WK5 file still does not use the Lotus 1-2-3 program, it means no association. It is most convenient to call the context menu with the right mouse button and select Properties. The displayed window will contain information about the program that supports this type of file. Changes can be made using the "Change" button. If there is no software on the list, simply select "Browse" and manually select the directory where the application is installed. Checking the "Always use the selected program ..." box will permanently associate the WK5 file with the Lotus 1-2-3 program.

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

If, however, after binding Lotus 1-2-3 with Lotus 5 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 WK5 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 WK5 file may be unusually small compared to the original file. This is most often caused by a problem while downloading the WK5 file. Downloading the file again should fix the problem.
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. The scan should cover the entire computer, not only the WK5 file that we want to open. However, remember that not every infected WK5 file can be recovered, so it is important to take care of regular backups.
A typical compatibility error - the program does not support the older version of the WK5 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 the failure. The repair method must be adapted to the type of file and damage. Some programs offer the option of recovering data from damaged WK5 files. The easiest way is to restore the file from a backup, if there is one, or contact IBM
When reading, a message appears that the file was encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted WK5 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. It is best to move WK5 to a different directory.
This problem usually affects more complex files. You may find that another program you are using is preventing you from working with the file. Closing other programs should help. If the error persists after closing other programs, wait for a while. However, some background programs may block the WK5 file while scanning. If this does not work either, restart the device.