I cannot open a WAVE 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 WAVE files, can be addressed in a standard way. Follow the steps below and we can guarantee that your problem with opening WAVE will be resolved!
WAVE File Extension
- File type WAVE Sound Format
- File developer N/A
- File category Audio Files
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File popularity rating
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How to open WAVE file?
If given user account does not have necessary permissions to open files with WAVE 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 WAVE files
After the application has been installed, the system should automatically open WAVE files with given application. Below is the list of relevant programs along with operating systems they are available for:
Programs that support WAVE files
Step 2. Verify whether WAVE files are associated with appropriate software
It is possible that an application that supports WAVE files is not associated with such files. In such case, the program should by manually associated with WAVE 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 WAVE 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 WAVE files with the selected program.
Changing WAVE file association in registry
File association for WAVE 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 WAVE file for other errors
- WAVE file was not copied properly from storage medium.
- Antivirus application prevents opening WAVE files. In that case it is recommended to exercise extreme caution and recover or delete infected WAVE file. It is also advised to scan the entire system for malicious software and viruses with antivirus software.
- For WAVE 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.
