I cannot open a ESP 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 ESP files, can be addressed in a standard way. Follow the steps below and we can guarantee that your problem with opening ESP will be resolved!

ESP File Extension

File
  • File type Fallout 3 Plugin Format
  • File developer Bethesda Softworks
  • File category Game Files
  • File popularity rating
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How to open ESP file?

If given user account does not have necessary permissions to open files with ESP 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 ESP files

After the application has been installed, the system should automatically open ESP files with given application. Below is the list of relevant programs along with operating systems they are available for:

Programs that support ESP files

Windows programs
Windows

Step 2. Verify whether ESP files are associated with appropriate software

It is possible that an application that supports ESP files is not associated with such files. In such case, the program should by manually associated with ESP files (right-click on the file icon → PropertiesGeneral Tab → In submenu "Open with" and click on "Change" button. System will display a list of suggested programs that support ESP 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 ESP files with the selected program.

Changing ESP file association in registry

File association for ESP 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 ESP file for other errors

  • ESP file was not copied properly from storage medium.
  • Antivirus application prevents opening ESP files. In that case it is recommended to exercise extreme caution and recover or delete infected ESP file. It is also advised to scan the entire system for malicious software and viruses with antivirus software.
  • For ESP 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.

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