Tips to open WKU file

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

WKU file extension

File Name Lotus 1-2-3 Spreadsheet
File Developer IBM
File Category Spreadsheet Files

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

Operating systems
  • 3
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is WKU file?

The file in the WKU format belongs to the Spreadsheet Files category. It was designed by IBM. Additionally, the Spreadsheet Files category contains 100 of other files. Lotus 1-2-3 Spreadsheet appears on 2 operating systems as a functional file. The file will work on Mac OS, Windows systems, unfortunately not on others. It is recommended to use Lotus 1-2-3 to handle this file. This is a program created by IBM. Alternatively, you can use 3 other programs. Microsoft Excel, Corel Quattro Pro will apply when it is not possible to use Lotus 1-2-3.

How to open WKU file?

The most common problem when using Lotus 1-2-3 Spreadsheet is that a specific WKU is not associated with the program. Thus, when you open WKU, the program selection wizard or some other program starts. How to solve such a problem?

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the WKU 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. If it is not, installation may solve the problem, as most applications create file associations during installation. Below you will find a list of applications that support WKU files.

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

If, despite the installed application, the WKU file does not start in the Lotus 1-2-3 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. The window will show, among other things, the type of the file and the information by which the program is used to launch the file. Using the "Change" button we can select the desired program. 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 WKU 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 1-2-3 Spreadsheet 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 WKU file

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

The affected file may be 0 KB or smaller than expected. Usually this applies to WKU files downloaded from the Internet in case the download did not finish properly. The file should be downloaded again, making sure that the process has finished correctly.
The operating system may be infected with a computer virus. Perform a virus scan using available and up-to-date anti-virus software. Some antivirus vendors also provide free online scanners. However, it is important to scan the entire system, not only the file WKU or the program directory. As a result of the scan, sometimes it is not possible to recover WKU 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 WKU 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.
The file may be corrupted in a number of ways. The repair method must be adapted to the type of file and damage. Some programs offer the option of recovering data from damaged WKU files. The easiest way to restore the file is from a backup or by contacting IBM, but this one can be expensive. Not all damage can be reversed.
The program indicates that the file is encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted WKU files cannot be played on other computers than the one on which they were encrypted, they must be decrypted before using on another device.
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 WKU file to another location.
This can happen on a file that does not support multiple access. In this case, the WKU file is blocked by the first application to open it. Running programs (including those in the background) should be verified. Sometimes you have to wait for the session to the file WKU to close. Some anti-virus or backup software may occupy the WKU file for a certain period of time. If this does not work either, restart the device.