I cannot open a LIB 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 LIB files, can be addressed in a standard way. Follow the steps below and we can guarantee that your problem with opening LIB will be resolved!
LIB File Extension
- File type Microsoft Linker Input Library Format
- File developer N/A
- File category Data Files
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File popularity rating
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What is a(n) LIB file?
LIB (Microsoft Linker Input Library Format) is a library archive file format used by Visual Studio, consisting of one or more object files storing information necessary for the linker to link multiple object modules into an executable program. It is used as an alternative to linking to libraries directly but can also contain shortcut information in the form of exported symbols or aliases that allow the use of an already defined object.
LIB files can be created using the library manager tool included in the Microsoft Visual Studio suite or with the lib.exe command line utility usually delivered as part of development tools packages such as MSVC++ or Borland C++.
How to open LIB file?
If given user account does not have necessary permissions to open files with LIB 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 LIB files
After the application has been installed, the system should automatically open LIB files with given application. Below is the list of relevant programs along with operating systems they are available for:
Programs that support LIB files
Step 2. Verify whether LIB files are associated with appropriate software
It is possible that an application that supports LIB files is not associated with such files. In such case, the program should by manually associated with LIB 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 LIB 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 LIB files with the selected program.
Changing LIB file association in registry
File association for LIB 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 LIB file for other errors
- LIB file was not copied properly from storage medium.
- Antivirus application prevents opening LIB files. In that case it is recommended to exercise extreme caution and recover or delete infected LIB file. It is also advised to scan the entire system for malicious software and viruses with antivirus software.
- For LIB 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.
