I cannot open a TSV 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 TSV files, can be addressed in a standard way. Follow the steps below and we can guarantee that your problem with opening TSV will be resolved!
TSV File Extension
- File type Tab Separated Values Format
- File developer N/A
- File category Data Files
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File popularity rating
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What is a(n) TSV file?
The .TSV data file format was created to streamline the process and standardize the extension used to transfer data between programs that support spreadsheets. The extension stores data in cells, creating tables consisting of tab-separated data columns. The alternative to this format is the .CSV extension
How to open TSV file?
If given user account does not have necessary permissions to open files with TSV 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 TSV files
After the application has been installed, the system should automatically open TSV files with given application. Below is the list of relevant programs along with operating systems they are available for:
Programs that support TSV files
Step 2. Verify whether TSV files are associated with appropriate software
It is possible that an application that supports TSV files is not associated with such files. In such case, the program should by manually associated with TSV 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 TSV 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 TSV files with the selected program.
Changing TSV file association in registry
File association for TSV 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 TSV file for other errors
- TSV file was not copied properly from storage medium.
- Antivirus application prevents opening TSV files. In that case it is recommended to exercise extreme caution and recover or delete infected TSV file. It is also advised to scan the entire system for malicious software and viruses with antivirus software.
- For TSV 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.
