I cannot open a DSK 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 DSK files, can be addressed in a standard way. Follow the steps below and we can guarantee that your problem with opening DSK will be resolved!
DSK File Extension
- File type Disk Image
- File developer N/A
- File category Disk Image Files
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File popularity rating
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What is a(n) DSK file?
DSK (Disk Image) is a popular file format for storing the content of floppy disks, mainly used with Amstrad CPC and ZX Spectrum computers. DSK files can also be used to store floppy disks intended for other computers, such as Apple II, Commodore 64, Commodore 128, and other ZX Spectrum models. DSK files contain a disk image stored in ASCII or binary format.
By encapsulating the tracks with the sectors required to boot an operating system, DSK files preserve disk's sector order and allow file integrity checking. The format allows the disk contents to be cloned, thus permitting the retrieval of any data stored on it regardless of the operating system, computer type and hardware condition.
How to open DSK file?
If given user account does not have necessary permissions to open files with DSK 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 DSK files
After the application has been installed, the system should automatically open DSK files with given application. Below is the list of relevant programs along with operating systems they are available for:
Programs that support DSK files
Step 2. Verify whether DSK files are associated with appropriate software
It is possible that an application that supports DSK files is not associated with such files. In such case, the program should by manually associated with DSK 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 DSK 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 DSK files with the selected program.
Changing DSK file association in registry
File association for DSK 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 DSK file for other errors
- DSK file was not copied properly from storage medium.
- Antivirus application prevents opening DSK files. In that case it is recommended to exercise extreme caution and recover or delete infected DSK file. It is also advised to scan the entire system for malicious software and viruses with antivirus software.
- For DSK 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.
