Computer newbies: best FREE program to open ALL TYPE of files

by Kaywill - 8/12/09 12:18 PM

Total posts: 7

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Post 1 of 7

best FREE program to open ALL TYPE of files

by Kaywill - 8/12/09 12:18 PM

I am running into allot of emails, saved documents, programs etc that I cannot open the first time or after saved. I get a popup asking me to go to a "window site" & "find" a program to open these up. (there are several types of locked files including past saved emails, saved documents from sites etc)

I have tried to download programs that "appear" to be free, they scan then pop up asking me to pay for the program that fixes the problem.

Is there a FREE program I can download that opens basically any file?

Also, Some files I try to open are full of smaller files containing the individual logos etc from a web site or page, but not the actual program or saved info. Why? How can that be fixed?

Thankyou for sharing your brains.

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Post 2 of 7

Re: best FREE program to open ALL TYPE of files

by Tufenuf - 8/12/09 12:36 PM In reply to: best FREE program to open ALL TYPE of files by Kaywill

Kaywill, The simple answer to your question "best FREE program to open ALL TYPE of files" is no. If you post the file extensions we could help you. Also the link below may be helpfull. You just type in the 3 digit File Extension in the Search box then click the Submit Query button.

http://filext.com/

Tufenuf

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Post 3 of 7

codecs

by jeff_windows_team

- 8/13/09 8:53 AM In reply to: best FREE program to open ALL TYPE of files by Kaywill

You could try codec packs, although I know some people here will speak against it and they are usually geared more towards a/v file types. Your best bet is to figure out the extensions and look them up to see what is required to open them.

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Post 4 of 7

You would probably like Quick View Plus ...

by Edward ODaniel - 8/13/09 11:02 AM In reply to: best FREE program to open ALL TYPE of files by Kaywill

as it supports the viewing of ~300 file types.

It is NOT FREE although the publisher does offer a 30 day trial version) but if you have file types to open and do not want to have to purchase all the applications necessary fore their viewing the $49 it costs is well worth the small expense.
http://www.avantstar.com/metro/home/Products/QuickViewPlus10

I have used it since Imso's version 4.03 and wouldn't be without it.

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Post 5 of 7

Two more suggestions

by Ol Rod - 8/13/09 6:27 PM In reply to: best FREE program to open ALL TYPE of files by Kaywill

By now you have heard more than once that no ONE application will open ALL. For free, I use Pea Zip for compressed files, and Foxit Reader for PDF and many others. Both can be downloaded from CNet's Download.com. I just now since I read your post, installed both in my Windows 7. Foxit Reader gave me some hassel because it wanted to add a toolbar which I do not want. I got around that by choosing CUSTOM install. I have used older version of both these with XP for about a year. I like them. And,yes, I still find formats which these two will not open.

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Post 6 of 7

Kaywill emails, saved documents,

by paul_saute - 8/14/09 6:43 PM In reply to: best FREE program to open ALL TYPE of files by Kaywill

Hi Kaywill,

You mention saved files and e-mail attachments that you cannot open.

Install Open office, it is a program suite FREE similar to MS Office.

http://www.openoffice.org/

That will allow you to open MOST e-mail attachments and saved files.

The second question:
Some files I try to open are full of smaller files

These are files that are in a ZIP (compressed) format. Since you can see the contents, just open and unzip the file in the same location (directory) you download it. Then, open (double-click) the README file to find out how to install the application.

Good luck.

paul_saute