ASF Types

Chief ASF Description

.ASF

File Ext:	.asf
File Type:	Advanced Systems Format File

ASF file is a proprietary digital audio/digital video container format that was developed by Microsoft. ASF files contain Windows Media Audio (.WMA) or Windows Media Video (.WMV) data. They can be compressed using a variety of video codecs. For more information you can visit https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advanced_Systems_Format.

Author:	Microsoft Corporation
Class:	Video Files
Key:	HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.asf

Software Programs That Open The Advanced Systems Format File:

Microsoft Windows Media Player by Microsoft Corporation

	Windows
	Windows Phone

Mac

ShedWorx Smart Converter by Shedworx

Mac

Nullsoft Winamp by Nullsoft

Windows

Mac

Android

Aiseesoft Video Converter Ultimate by Aiseesoft

Mac

NCH WavePad by NCH Software

Windows

Mac

PentaLoop PlayerXtreme Media Player by Apple

iOS

CyberLink PowerProducer by CyberLink

Windows

Applian Replay Converter by Applian Technologies

Windows

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Troubleshoot ASF Files

Frequent ASF Opening Issues

Microsoft Windows Media Player is Not Installed

Double-clicking your ASF file prompts the message "%%os%% Can't Open ASF File". When this happens, it is commonly due to Microsoft Windows Media Player missing in %%os%%. Your operating system cannot associate your ASF with Microsoft Windows Media Player, so double-clicking the file won't work.

Tip: When another ASF application is installed, you can choose to open it by selecting "Show Apps" and using that program.

Obsolete Version of Microsoft Windows Media Player

In other instances, your Advanced Systems Format File file version may not be supported by your version of Microsoft Windows Media Player. If you've got the wrong version of Microsoft Windows Media Player installed, you'll need to install the correct version. Your Advanced Systems Format File file was probably created by a newer release of Microsoft Windows Media Player than what's currently installed your computer.

Tip: Sometimes you can get a clue about the version of ASF file you have by right clicking on the file, then clicking on "Properties" (Windows) or "Get Info" (Mac OSX).

Ultimately, most of the difficulties opening ASF files are due to having the wrong version of Microsoft Windows Media Player installed.

Other ASF File Opening Causes

Errors opening Advanced Systems Format File files can still occur even with the latest Microsoft Windows Media Player software installed on your computer. If you are continuing to have errors with loading ASF files, other external issues might be to blame. Additional factors include:

• Invalid ASF file references in the Windows Registry (the "phonebook" of the Windows Operating System)
• The ASF file description within the Windows Registry was removed
• Corrupt install of Microsoft Windows Media Player or other ASF-related program
• File corruption affecting your ASF file
• Past or present virus infection has affected your ASF
• Drivers associated with ASF software need to be updated
• Windows cannot load your Advanced Systems Format File file due to insufficient resources (eg. RAM)