Tips to open XLK file
Can't open the XLK file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open XLK files as well as a list of programs that support XLK files.
XLK file extension
| File Name |
Excel Backup Format |
| File Developer |
Microsoft |
| File Category |
Backup Files |
The XLK file is supported on 2 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the XLK files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the XLK file on each system platform.
What is XLK file?
The XLK file has been categorized as Backup Files. It was designed by Microsoft. In addition to this file, the Backup Files category includes 243 related files. Excel Backup Format appears on 2 operating systems as a functional file. The file will work on Mac OS, Windows systems, unfortunately not on others. The Microsoft Excel application is recommended to open the file. It was released by Microsoft Corporation. Alternatively, you can use 2 other programs. The Microsoft Office programs will also handle the file when the Microsoft Excel program does not fulfill its role.
How to open XLK file?
An often recurring problem with Excel Backup Format is that XLK is not associated with the correct program file. This is manifested by the fact that XLK 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 XLK 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 Excel
In this case, you should first verify that the Microsoft Excel application is installed on the computer. The easiest method is to use the system search engine by entering the program name Microsoft Excel in it. If we do not have this program, it is worth installing it, as it will help you automatically associate the file XLK with Microsoft Excel. Later in this article you will find a list of programs that can open XLK files.
Programs to open XLK file
Remember to download programs supporting XLK files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.
Step 2. Create association of Microsoft Excel with XLK files
If the application is or has been freshly installed, but the XLK file still does not use the Microsoft Excel program, it means no association. This option is available from the level of Properties of a specific file available in the context menu. 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. If there is no software on the list, simply select "Browse" and manually select the directory where the application is installed. However, it is important to check the "Always use the selected program ..." box, this will allow you to permanently associate the XLK file with the Microsoft Excel application.
Step 3. Update Microsoft Excel to the latest version
If, however, after binding Microsoft Excel with Excel Backup Format there were still problems, you should update the program to the latest version. Some applications allow you to update from the program level, and for others you need to download the installer from the Microsoft Corporation page and install.
Step 4. Check for the following problems with the XLK file
If the above steps do not help, you can assume that the file itself is not correct. This could be due to the file itself, the cleanest issues are:
Very often, the file may be size 0 or incomplete. Usually this applies to XLK files downloaded from the Internet in case the download did not finish properly. Downloading the file again should fix the problem.
The computer may have fallen victim to a computer virus or hacker. A virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should fix the problem. Some antivirus vendors also provide free online scanners. The scan should cover the entire computer, not only the XLK file that we want to open. As a result of the scan, sometimes it is not possible to recover XLK 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 XLK 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.
There can be many reasons for the failure. Depending on the type of file, it is necessary to repair it accordingly. Some programs offer the ability to automatically repair XLK file corruption. You can restore the file from a backup or use Microsoft help.
The program can also signal the fact of encryption. The encrypted file XLK except for the special designation, works normally, but only on the device where it was encrypted, before transferring it to another machine, decryption is required.
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. Copying the XLK file to another location will fix the problem.
This problem only occurs with more complex files. In this case, the XLK file is blocked by the first application to open it. Closing other programs should help. Sometimes it is necessary to wait a while before referencing the XLK file again. However, some background programs may block the XLK file while scanning. If this does not work either, restart the device.
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