I cannot open a GZ 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 GZ files, can be addressed in a standard way. Follow the steps below and we can guarantee that your problem with opening GZ will be resolved!
GZ File Extension
- File type Gnu Zipped Archive
- File developer The GNU Project
- File category Compressed Files
-
File popularity rating
-
What is a(n) GZ file?
The GZ (Gnu Zipped Archive) file format is a popular open source file format used for compressing and archiving files. It was developed in the early 1990s as an open source alternative to the previously popular ZIP file format. The GZ format is a lossless compression scheme, meaning it can compress data without losing any of the original information. This makes it ideal for archiving large files or groups of files.
GZ files are typically denoted with the filename extension ".gz". As an open source format, it can be opened in a variety of programs, including common archiving utilities such as winzip and 7-zip. GZ files are also often used in conjunction with UNIX based programs, where they can be opened from the command line or a script.
How to open GZ file?
If given user account does not have necessary permissions to open files with GZ 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 GZ files
After the application has been installed, the system should automatically open GZ files with given application. Below is the list of relevant programs along with operating systems they are available for:
Programs that support GZ files
Step 2. Verify whether GZ files are associated with appropriate software
It is possible that an application that supports GZ files is not associated with such files. In such case, the program should by manually associated with GZ 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 GZ 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 GZ files with the selected program.
Changing GZ file association in registry
File association for GZ 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 GZ file for other errors
- GZ file was not copied properly from storage medium.
- Antivirus application prevents opening GZ files. In that case it is recommended to exercise extreme caution and recover or delete infected GZ file. It is also advised to scan the entire system for malicious software and viruses with antivirus software.
- For GZ 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.
