Open files with BZ2 extension quick and easy. 4 steps
It can be very frustrating when you have a BZ2 file and you cannot open it. But do not worry, in most cases solution to your problem is very simple. Follow the instruction in steps 1-4 listed below and you should be able to solve your problem and open the BZ2 file with ease.
BZ2 File Extension
- File type Bzip2 Compressed Format
- File developer Julian Seward
- File category Compressed Files
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File popularity rating
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What is a(n) BZ2 file?
BZ2 (Bzip2 Compressed Format) is a file format used for lossless data compression. It was based on the Burrows-Wheeler compression algorithm developed by Julian Seward in 1996 and is a popular open source data compression method. A BZ2 file is smaller than its original version, thus allowing easier transmission over networks.
The BZ2 file format is also known as ".bz2" and it can contain any type of file. It can be opened on any OS with a decompression utility, or programs such as WinRAR, 7-Zip, Stuffit Deluxe, or IZArc. BZ2 files are also used to create backups of important documents or large data files.
How to open BZ2 file?
BZ2 file icon should be displayed in a manner characteristic to the program which supports such file type. If BZ2 file icon is of the form of generic blank page icon or similar it means that given format is not associated with any program installed on the system. Below are listed some of the most popular causes of such situation
Check the BZ2 file for errors
- No program that supports BZ2 files is installed on the system
- No program that supports BZ2 files is associated with this extension (system registry has no entries related to programs that should be used to open BZ2 files)
- The file is of unknown or unverified origin and is most probably infected. In such case user must exercise extreme caution in order not to allow the virus propagate to other files in the system (follow the instructions displayed in the dialog box in your antivirus software.
- BZ2 file may be incomplete, which will prevent the system from opening it (this could be the case with file downloaded from the internet or copied from other sources)
- The file is corrupted
How to solve encountered problems?
In order to solve the following problems, follow the instructions:
Step 1. Select, download and install relevant software. The list of programs supporting files with BZ2 extension can be found below:
Programs that can open BZ2 files
Step 2. Associate software supporting BZ2 with this file format
- Right-click on the BZ2 file
- Select "Open with" option
- Choose appropriate program from the list and select the location where the program is installed
- Confirm your selection by clicking on the "OK" button
Step 3. Scan the BZ2 file using an antivirus software
Step 4. Verify whether the file has been properly downloaded from the internet or copied from an external storage medium. If not, then re-download or copy the file again.
In 95% of cases following these steps should solve problems with BZ2 files. Sometimes, although rarely, the cause of encountered problems may be different.
Last resort – an IT expert
Should all the above-mentioned solutions fail to resolve problems with BZ2 file extensions, there is one last thing you can do – contact an IT expert. You can also try to contact one of the developers of software that supports BZ2 files.
