Known LNK Files

Principal LNK Type

.LNK

File Format:	.lnk
Category:	Windows File Shortcut

An LNK file is a shortcut that represents a reference to an original file. It contains the target type, location, filename, the program that opens it, and an optional shortcut key.

Organization:	Microsoft Corporation
File Category:	System Files
Subkey:	HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.lnk

Software Programs That Open The Windows File Shortcut:

Microsoft Windows by Microsoft Corporation

Windows

Parallels Desktop for Mac by Parallels

Mac

HxD by Open Source

Windows

CrossOver by Codeweavers

Mac

Linux

lnkedit by Open Source

Windows

Secondary LNK Associations

.LNK

File Format:	.lnk
Category:	Advanced Revelation Database File

Database file created by OpenInsight, a database development software for Microsoft Windows operating system developed by Revelation.

Organization:	Revelation Software
File Category:	Database Files

Software Programs That Open Advanced Revelation Database File Files:

OpenInsight by Revelation Software

Compatible with:

Windows

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Troubleshooting Problems Opening LNK Files

Common LNK Opening Problems

Microsoft Windows Removed

When trying to open your LNK file, you get the error "Can't Open LNK File Type". When this happens, it is commonly due to Microsoft Windows missing in %%os%%. The typical path of opening your LNK with a double-click won't work because %%os%% cannot make the program connection.

Tip: If you have another software that you know opens LNK files, you can select it by hitting the "Show Apps" button.

Wrong Version of Microsoft Windows is Installed

Sometimes your installed version of Microsoft Windows won't support your Windows File Shortcut file. Visit the Microsoft Corporation website to download (or purchase) the latest version of Microsoft Windows. Most of the time your Windows File Shortcut file was created by a newer Microsoft Windows than what you have installed.

Tip: If you right-click on your LNK file, then select "Properties" (Windows) or "Get Info" (Mac), you can obtain hints about what version you need.

Summary: In either case, the majority of problems opening LNK files are related to not having the correct software application installed on your computer.

Associated Difficulties Loading LNK Files

You can still experience errors opening LNK files even with the latest version of Microsoft Windows installed on your PC. If you are continuing to have errors with loading LNK files, other external issues might be to blame. These other problems include (listed in order from most to least common):

• File references in the Windows Registry for LNK are wrong
• Corruption of the LNK file description inside the Registry
• Invalid installation of a LNK-associated program (eg. Microsoft Windows)
• Something has caused file corruption of your LNK
• Past or present virus infection has affected your LNK
• Drivers associated with LNK software need to be updated
• Your PC doesn’t have enough available resources to open the Windows File Shortcut file