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Open files with DEC extension quick and easy. 4 steps

It can be very frustrating when you have a DEC 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 DEC file with ease.

  1. 1. DEC File Extension
  2. 2. What is a(n) DEC file?
  3. 3. How to open DEC file?
    1. 3.1 Check the DEC file for errors
    2. 3.2 How to solve encountered problems?
      1. 3.2.1 Programs that can open DEC files
  4. 4. Similar file extensions

DEC File Extension

File
  • File type Declaration Format
  • File developer N/A
  • File category Developer Files
  • File popularity rating
    • Star
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What is a(n) DEC file?

DEC (Declaration) Files are a type of executable file used by Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) computers, typically seen on VAX and Alpha operating systems. It is used to load and execute other programs in the system, and has a .DEC extension. The file includes declarations such as variables, constants, and file format specifications.

DEC (Declaration) Files commonly include details related to software declarations, such as names of modules and functions. These declarations are included in the program before it is compiled into an executable module by the DEC machine. DEC (Declaration) Files can also be used to configure the environment of the system, for example setting options related to cross-function linkages.

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How to open DEC file?

DEC file icon should be displayed in a manner characteristic to the program which supports such file type. If DEC 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 DEC file for errors

  • No program that supports DEC files is installed on the system
  • No program that supports DEC files is associated with this extension (system registry has no entries related to programs that should be used to open DEC 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.
  • DEC 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 DEC extension can be found below:

Programs that can open DEC files

Windows programs
Windows
MAC OS programs
MAC OS

Step 2. Associate software supporting DEC with this file format

  1. Right-click on the DEC file
  2. Select "Open with" option
  3. Choose appropriate program from the list and select the location where the program is installed
  4. Confirm your selection by clicking on the "OK" button

Step 3. Scan the DEC 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 DEC files. Sometimes, although rarely, the cause of encountered problems may be different.

Last resort – an IT expert

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Should all the above-mentioned solutions fail to resolve problems with DEC 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 DEC files.

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