I cannot open a LCK 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 LCK files, can be addressed in a standard way. Follow the steps below and we can guarantee that your problem with opening LCK will be resolved!
LCK File Extension
- File type Program Lock Format
- File developer N/A
- File category Misc Files
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File popularity rating
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What is a(n) LCK file?
The .LCK extension can be found with the access control file used by various programs and databases. During editing, the program automatically creates a .LCK file that protects the content from being modified or opened by more than one user at the same time, thus reducing the risk of data corruption.
How to open LCK file?
If given user account does not have necessary permissions to open files with LCK 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 LCK files
After the application has been installed, the system should automatically open LCK files with given application. Below is the list of relevant programs along with operating systems they are available for:
Programs that support LCK files
Step 2. Verify whether LCK files are associated with appropriate software
It is possible that an application that supports LCK files is not associated with such files. In such case, the program should by manually associated with LCK 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 LCK 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 LCK files with the selected program.
Changing LCK file association in registry
File association for LCK 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 LCK file for other errors
- LCK file was not copied properly from storage medium.
- Antivirus application prevents opening LCK files. In that case it is recommended to exercise extreme caution and recover or delete infected LCK file. It is also advised to scan the entire system for malicious software and viruses with antivirus software.
- For LCK 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.
