I cannot open a CPL 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 CPL files, can be addressed in a standard way. Follow the steps below and we can guarantee that your problem with opening CPL will be resolved!
CPL File Extension
- File type Windows Control Panel Item
- File developer Microsoft
- File category System Files
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File popularity rating
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How to open CPL file?
If given user account does not have necessary permissions to open files with CPL 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 CPL files
After the application has been installed, the system should automatically open CPL files with given application. Below is the list of relevant programs along with operating systems they are available for:
Programs that support CPL files
Step 2. Verify whether CPL files are associated with appropriate software
It is possible that an application that supports CPL files is not associated with such files. In such case, the program should by manually associated with CPL 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 CPL 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 CPL files with the selected program.
Changing CPL file association in registry
File association for CPL 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 CPL file for other errors
- CPL file was not copied properly from storage medium.
- Antivirus application prevents opening CPL files. In that case it is recommended to exercise extreme caution and recover or delete infected CPL file. It is also advised to scan the entire system for malicious software and viruses with antivirus software.
- For CPL 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.
