I cannot open a AB 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 AB files, can be addressed in a standard way. Follow the steps below and we can guarantee that your problem with opening AB will be resolved!
AB File Extension
- File type Google Android Debug Bridge Backup Format
- File developer Google
- File category Backup Files
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File popularity rating
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What is a(n) AB file?
AB (Google Android Debug Bridge Backup) files are a proprietary format used for backing up applications and data for Android devices. These files contain a full copy of all system settings as well as any user-defined settings. They also include any installed apps, user data and other settings which are required to restore the device.
AB files are generated by using the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) command-line utility which is a part of the Android SDK. In order to use an AB file, it must be converted into a ZIP or other compatible archive format. This is done with the “fastboot” command, which is run in recovery mode on the device. Once the conversion is complete, the file may be used to restore the device.
How to open AB file?
If given user account does not have necessary permissions to open files with AB 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 AB files
After the application has been installed, the system should automatically open AB files with given application. Below is the list of relevant programs along with operating systems they are available for:
Programs that support AB files
Step 2. Verify whether AB files are associated with appropriate software
It is possible that an application that supports AB files is not associated with such files. In such case, the program should by manually associated with AB 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 AB 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 AB files with the selected program.
Changing AB file association in registry
File association for AB 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 AB file for other errors
- AB file was not copied properly from storage medium.
- Antivirus application prevents opening AB files. In that case it is recommended to exercise extreme caution and recover or delete infected AB file. It is also advised to scan the entire system for malicious software and viruses with antivirus software.
- For AB 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.
Similar file extensions
- File extension File name
- .ABL ABEL Hardware Description Language
- .ABR Adobe Photoshop Brushes Format
- .ABCDP Address Book Card Data
- .ABG FIFA World Cup Game Data Beart
- .ABI DNA Chromatogram Format
- .ABS Absolute Database Format
- .ABICOLLAB AbiWord Collaborative Format Descriptor
- .AB$ Autodesk AutoCAD Plot Spooling
