How to open META files? 4 simple methods of solving such problems
When you encounter a problem with an unknown META file and you do not know how to open such file, the first step you should take is to determine the cause of given problem. We will show you how to address most common problems with META files and how to solve them in 4 simple steps.
META File Extension
- File type RealPlayer Metafile
- File developer RealNetworks
- File category Video Files
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File popularity rating
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What is a(n) META file?
META (RealPlayer Metafile) is a multimedia file format originally developed by RealNetworks, a leading developer of streaming media technology. It is used to store data such as audio and video streams in a single file, enabling users to easily play back multimedia content. The format can store both Windows Media Audio (WMA) and MP3 audio, as well as Windows Media Video (WMV) or other video codecs.
META files can contain information such as artist name, timestamps, and descriptive tags, helping identify the media content within. Unlike other multimedia formats, META files are quite versatile; they can be sent as email attachments, embedded in web pages and embedded in Microsoft Office documents. META files offer good compatibility across multiple platforms and devices.
How to open META file?
In some cases problems may occur when trying to open META files. Steps listed below can be helpful in addressing such problems.
Step 1 – Verify whether the file is properly associated with selected software
The first thing user should do is to associate application with META files. It may happen so that even when an application that supports META files is installed on the system it is not properly associated with this file format. This can be easily remedied by associating program with META files. In order to associate such files with given application, user must open the file menu (by right-clicking on the file) and choosing "Open with". A list of suggested applications will be displayed at the top part of menu. Next, select an application and confirm your choice by checking "Always use the selected application to open this kind of files" option. Confirm your selection by clicking OK.
In order to open META file, focus on steps 1 and 2
In majority of cases following instruction in step 1 and 2 should be enough to open files with META extension. Before attempting the next steps, test all the programs listed below.
Step 2 – Install a program that supports META files
Should it happen that the section with suggested programs is empty, it is most probable that no program supporting META files is installed on the system. Choose a program from the following list and install it:
Programs that support files with META extension
Step 3 – Check for other possible causes of errors
- Corrupted storage medium on which the META file is stored
- File data corruption or incompleteness (for example, due to incomplete download or copy process). In such case the file must be re-downloaded or properly copied and then opened again.
- Compatibility issues – check whether META extension is compatible with user’s operating system
- Administrative policy settings may prevent user from opening given file
Step 4 – Contact an expert
If you are still unable to open META file, you should contact an IT expert. You could also try to contact the developer of given software that supports META files. Appropriate website addresses can be found by clicking the name of given program in the list above.
