Troubleshoot PUB Files
Common Problems Opening PUB Files
LibreOffice Not Present
Double-clicking your PUB file prompts the message "%%os%% Can't Open PUB File". When this happens, it is commonly due to LibreOffice missing in %%os%%. The OS won't know what to do with your PUB file, so double-clicking to load the file doesn't work.
Tip: If you don't have LibreOffice installed, and you know of another program to open your PUB file, you can try opening it by selecting from the programs listed under "Show Apps".
Obsolete Version of LibreOffice
It is possible that your version of LibreOffice isn't able to open your Microsoft Publisher Document file due to incompatibility. Download the latest LibreOffice version from the The Document Foundation website to ensure you have the correct one installed. Your Microsoft Publisher Document file was probably created by a newer release of LibreOffice than what's currently installed your computer.
Tip: Investigate your PUB file by right-clicking and selecting "Properties" to find clues on what version you need.
Summary: Not having the right LibreOffice version on your computer can cause problems opening PUB files.
Other PUB File Issues
Assuming you have the right LibreOffice version installed, other problems can prevent you from opening PUB files. There can be external issues inside of %%os%% that are causing these errors when opening PUBs. These other problems include (listed in order from most to least common):
- File references in the Windows Registry for PUB are wrong
- The PUB file description within the Windows Registry was removed
- LibreOffice or another PUB application experienced a flawed installation
- Your PUB can't be loaded properly (file corruption)
- PUB file integrity has been compromised by malware
- PUB-related hardware has device drivers that obsolete
- Windows has inadequate resources to open your Microsoft Publisher Document file
Quiz: Which file extension is an archive file?
That's Correct!
A SIT file was created by Smith Micro Systems for use with the Macintosh operating system. Now, it is considered "cross-platform", working on multiple operating systems including Windows, Macintosh, Android, iOS, and others.
Close, but not quite...
A SIT file was created by Smith Micro Systems for use with the Macintosh operating system. Now, it is considered "cross-platform", working on multiple operating systems including Windows, Macintosh, Android, iOS, and others.
Poll: How often do you encounter a file extension that you don't recognize?