.FILE File Extension
Generic File
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What is a FILE file?
Microsoft Windows and other programs sometimes append files they don't recognize with the .file extension. For example, if you download a file in your web browser, and your browser doesn't recognize the file's format, it may assign the .file extension. You can use file identification utilities to identify these "generic" FILE files.
More Information
Because FILE files do not use a recognized extension, most programs cannot open them by default. If you know what type of file your FILE file contains, you can rename the file to use that extension. For example, if you know your FILE file contains a Microsoft Word document, you can rename it to use the .DOCX extension. You'll then be able to open the file in Microsoft Word.
If you don't know what type of file your FILE file contains, you can attempt to identify its contents with a file identification utility. You should not double-click or right-click and open unknown files before verifying their contents, as they may contain malware designed to attack your computer.
NOTE: While FILE files most often appear on Windows PCs, you may encounter them on other platforms.
How to open a FILE file
Before opening a FILE file, you should verify its contents. You can use file identification utilities like File Viewer Plus, TrIDNET, File Viewer for Mac, File Viewer for Android, or the Linux file command to identify a file's contents.
After identifying your file's contents, if it is a legitimate file, you should rename it to use the correct extension. Then, you can open it with the appropriate program.
Warning
Do not double-click or right-click and open an unverified FILE file before identifying its contents. The file may contain malware designed to harm your computer.