Tips to open ZIM file
Can't open the ZIM file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open ZIM files as well as a list of programs that support ZIM files.
ZIM file extension
| File Name |
OpenZIM Wiki Archive |
| File Developer |
The OpenZIM Project |
| File Category |
Data Files |
The ZIM file is supported on 3 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the ZIM files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the ZIM file on each system platform.
What is ZIM file?
The ZIM file has been categorized as Data Files. The creator of this file is The OpenZIM Project. In addition to this file, the Data Files category includes 1326 related files. OpenZIM Wiki Archive is most often found on 3 operating systems. These systems consist of Linux, Mac OS, Windows, although it may occasionally be found on another system, it will be non-functional. Alternatively, you can use 2 other programs.
How to open ZIM file?
The main problem with OpenZIM Wiki Archive is that the ZIM file is incorrectly associated with programs. Thus, when you open ZIM, the program selection wizard or some other program starts. This problem can be easily remedied.
The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the ZIM 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 Kiwix
In this case, you should first verify that the Kiwix application is installed on the computer. To do this, enter the name Kiwix into the system search engine. If we do not have this program, it is worth installing it, as it will help you automatically associate the file ZIM with Kiwix. Below is a list of programs that support the file ZIM.
Programs to open ZIM file
Remember to download programs supporting ZIM files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.
Step 2. Create association of Kiwix with ZIM files
If the application is or has been freshly installed, but the ZIM file still does not use the Kiwix program, it means no association. It is most convenient to call the context menu with the right mouse button and select 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. Changes can be made using the "Change" button. It may happen that in the next window there will be no appropriate program - however, this can be corrected with the "Browse" option where you should manually indicate the program location. The "always use the selected program ..." field will set the Kiwix application as the default for handling the ZIM file.
Step 3. Update Kiwix to the latest version
If, despite the association of the Kiwix program with the OpenZIM Wiki Archive file, the file still does not open, check the program version and possibly update it to the newest version.
Step 4. Check for the following problems with the ZIM file
Of course, it may happen that despite the above steps, the file still does not work. File problems can be divided into the following:
The affected file may be 0 KB or smaller than expected. This suggests truncating the ZIM file contents when downloading or copying. The file should be downloaded again, making sure that the process has finished correctly.
The computer may have fallen victim to a computer virus or hacker. Perform a virus scan using available and up-to-date anti-virus software. If this is not possible, you can use the online scanner. For the best results, we will scan the entire operating system, not just our ZIM file. However, remember that not every infected ZIM file can be recovered, so it is important to take care of regular backups.
This can happen especially when the program is dynamically developed and the structure of the ZIM files changes over time. These problems are known and are often very easy to fix using the software developers's website.
The file may be corrupted in a number of ways. Depending on the type of file, it is necessary to repair it accordingly. Some programs offer the ability to automatically repair ZIM file corruption.
The program can also signal the fact of encryption. The encrypted ZIM 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. While there is usually no problem reading such a file, it may not be possible to save it. It is best to move ZIM to a different directory.
This can happen on a file that does not support multiple access. Some file types can only be opened in one program at a time. Just close unnecessary programs. Sometimes it is necessary to wait a while before referencing the ZIM file again. Some anti-virus or backup software may occupy the ZIM file for a certain period of time. If the problem persists, restart the machine.
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