I cannot open a SYS 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 SYS files, can be addressed in a standard way. Follow the steps below and we can guarantee that your problem with opening SYS will be resolved!
SYS File Extension
- File type Windows System Format
- File developer Microsoft
- File category System Files
-
File popularity rating
-
What is a(n) SYS file?
The SYS file type is a Windows System File that contains settings and information, such as hardware profiles, device drivers, IO port addresses and system services. It helps Windows start up, perform tasks and manage memory to execute instructions correctly.
SYS files may also contain other data, such as macros and font information. They are usually created by hardware manufacturers to support their products. To ensure safe access to all areas of the system, the SYS files are created with specific permissions and ownership.
How to open SYS file?
If given user account does not have necessary permissions to open files with SYS 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 SYS files
After the application has been installed, the system should automatically open SYS files with given application. Below is the list of relevant programs along with operating systems they are available for:
Programs that support SYS files
Step 2. Verify whether SYS files are associated with appropriate software
It is possible that an application that supports SYS files is not associated with such files. In such case, the program should by manually associated with SYS 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 SYS 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 SYS files with the selected program.
Changing SYS file association in registry
File association for SYS 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 SYS file for other errors
- SYS file was not copied properly from storage medium.
- Antivirus application prevents opening SYS files. In that case it is recommended to exercise extreme caution and recover or delete infected SYS file. It is also advised to scan the entire system for malicious software and viruses with antivirus software.
- For SYS 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.
