Close
Search
Choose language Languages Arrow

3 steps to open file with PARTIAL extension

Usually solving problems with PARTIAL file is simple – just install proper software and open the file. Read the guide and open PARTIAL file now!

  1. 1. PARTIAL File Extension
  2. 2. What is a(n) PARTIAL file?
  3. 3. How to open PARTIAL file?
    1. 3.1 Install a program that supports PARTIAL files
    2. 3.2 Find and download proper software
      1. 3.2.1 Programs that support files with PARTIAL extension
    3. 3.3 Check the PARTIAL file for errors
  4. 4. Similar file extensions

PARTIAL File Extension

File
  • File type Internet Explorer Partially Downloaded Format
  • File developer Microsoft
  • File category Misc Files
  • File popularity rating
    • Star
    • Star
    • Star
    • Star
Preview

What is a(n) PARTIAL file?

The PARTIAL (Internet Explorer Partially Downloaded Format) file format is used by Microsoft Internet Explorer browser when users try to download a file over the internet. It is a temporary file format that is created when a user is downloading and saving a file from a web server. As the name implies, the PARTIAL file is usually incomplete and needs to be completed before it can become a full and usable file.

The PARTIAL file can be found in the Microsoft Windows Temporary folder with other temporary files used by Windows, and generally has an EXE or BAK extension. Once the download has completed, the PARTIAL file will usually be renamed to its correct extension and filed accordingly. However, partial downloads may fail, in which case the PARTIAL file can simply be deleted.

Open

How to open PARTIAL file?

There could be multiple reasons for which the system does not support given file. In the case of PARTIAL extension, it is probable that none of the installed programs support given file type. Therefore, user should undertake the following steps

Step 1: Install a program that supports PARTIAL files

If an application that supports PARTIAL files is installed on user’s system, but is not used to open such files by default, right-click on the file icon and choose "Open with" option from the menu. Next, select the proper application and check the "Always use the selected application to open this kind of files" box. The system will store this information in its registry and use the selected program to open files with PARTIAL extension by default.

Hint for Mac OS users

Bulb

For Mac OS users the procedure is analogous – open the file menu by right-clicking on the PARTIAL file and choose "Information" option and select "Open with program" option. From the submenu select an application and click on "Change all" button.

Step 2: Find and download proper software

Inability to open PARTIAL files may also be related to the lack of any application that supports given file being installed on the system. Should that be the case, user needs to download and install one of the following applications. Once installed, the system will automatically associate newly installed application with PARTIAL files. If this step fails, see step 1.

Programs that support files with PARTIAL extension

Windows programs
Windows

Step 3: Check the PARTIAL file for errors

Sometimes, although relatively rarely, steps 1 and 2 might not lead to expected results. There can be several reasons for such situation to occur:

  • PARTIAL file has been downloaded from the internet but for some reason it is incomplete. In such case the file should be re-downloaded and opened again.
  • Structure of given PARTIAL file could be corrupted and as such the program is not able to open the file
  • Storage medium on which the file was stored is damaged
  • It is important to ascertain that the icon representing given file is not a shortcut a related PARTIAL file no longer present in the location to which the shortcut points
  • If the user account has restricted access privileges it is advised to contact the system administrator or an IT expert

Similar file extensions

Submit File

Browse A-Z