I cannot open a 123 file. What should I do? Help!
Virtually anyone has encountered some problems with opening unknown files while working on a computer. It can be very frustrating. Yet such problems, not only with 123 files, can be addressed in a standard way. Follow the steps below and we can guarantee that your problem with opening 123 will be resolved!
123 File Extension
- File type Lotus 1-2-3 Spreadsheet
- File developer IBM
- File category Spreadsheet Files
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File popularity rating
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What is a(n) 123 file?
The 123 (Lotus 1-2-3) file format is a spreadsheet used for data management, numerical computation and graphics. It was originally developed by Lotus Software Corporation but later acquired by IBM. The 123 file format is composed of worksheets, which are sheets of information that consist of columns or rows with individual cells containing data, formulas or graphical elements.
The 123 file format allows users to perform complex operations through the use of macros and supports various cells formatting functions like borders, shading and merging. Both .123 and .WK1 are valid extensions for the Lotus 1-2-3 file format. Most spreadsheet applications such as Microsoft Excel, Apache OpenOffice and LibreOffice support the import and export of 123 files.
How to open 123 file?
If given user account does not have necessary permissions to open files with 123 extension, it is highly probable that no program that supports given files is installed on the users’ system. Below is a list of actions user should pursue in order to resolve most common problems.
Step 1. Download and install application that supports 123 files
After the application has been installed, the system should automatically open 123 files with given application. Below is the list of relevant programs along with operating systems they are available for:
Programs that support 123 files
Step 2. Verify whether 123 files are associated with appropriate software
It is possible that an application that supports 123 files is not associated with such files. In such case, the program should by manually associated with 123 files (right-click on the file icon → Properties → General Tab → In submenu "Open with" and click on "Change" button. System will display a list of suggested programs that support 123 files. Choose the application by checking the box "Always use the selected application to open this kind of files". System will store this information in its registry and use it to open 123 files with the selected program.
Changing 123 file association in registry
File association for 123 files can be edited manually by editing appropriate entry in Windows System Registry. However, it is discouraged as it may introduce errors to registry if not done properly and may even damage the system.
Step 3. Check 123 file for other errors
- 123 file was not copied properly from storage medium.
- Antivirus application prevents opening 123 files. In that case it is recommended to exercise extreme caution and recover or delete infected 123 file. It is also advised to scan the entire system for malicious software and viruses with antivirus software.
- For 123 files downloaded from the internet it is advised to check if the file has been downloaded completely and is not corrupted. If not, the file should be re-downloaded.
