I cannot open a XNB 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 XNB files, can be addressed in a standard way. Follow the steps below and we can guarantee that your problem with opening XNB will be resolved!
XNB File Extension
- File type XNA Game Studio Binary Package
- File developer Microsoft
- File category Game Files
-
File popularity rating
-
What is a(n) XNB file?
XNB (XNA Game Studio Binary Package) is a file extension used to store files produced by the XNA Game Studio software. The XNA Game Studio is an integrated development environment used to create video games for Microsoft Xbox and PC platforms. XNB files contain game assets such as textures, models and other game content. The format offers optimized memory usage, reduces the size of files and improves loading time of game resources.
XNB files use a binary format so they are difficult to read and edit. For this reason, files are typically converted to a different format like XML, PNG or BMP before they can be edited or modified. While editing is limited, XNB files offer an optimized way to store game content which leads to improved loading times for players when they run the game.
How to open XNB file?
If given user account does not have necessary permissions to open files with XNB 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 XNB files
After the application has been installed, the system should automatically open XNB files with given application. Below is the list of relevant programs along with operating systems they are available for:
Programs that support XNB files
Step 2. Verify whether XNB files are associated with appropriate software
It is possible that an application that supports XNB files is not associated with such files. In such case, the program should by manually associated with XNB 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 XNB 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 XNB files with the selected program.
Changing XNB file association in registry
File association for XNB 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 XNB file for other errors
- XNB file was not copied properly from storage medium.
- Antivirus application prevents opening XNB files. In that case it is recommended to exercise extreme caution and recover or delete infected XNB file. It is also advised to scan the entire system for malicious software and viruses with antivirus software.
- For XNB 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.
