Sources of AIFF Problems
Common Problems Opening AIFF Files
Microsoft Windows Media Player Not Present
You encounter an error message such as "%%os%% Can't Open AIFF Files" when trying to open your AIFF. If so, it typically means that you don't have Microsoft Windows Media Player installed for %%os%%. You won't be able to double-click to open your AIFF because your OS doesn't know what to do with it.
Tip: Another AIFF-related program can be selected to open the file by clicking "Show Apps" and finding the application.
Wrong Version of Microsoft Windows Media Player is Installed
Your Audio Interchange File Format file is incompatible with Microsoft Windows Media Player because you might have the wrong version installed. If you've got the wrong version of Microsoft Windows Media Player installed, you'll need to install the correct version. Your Audio Interchange File Format 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 AIFF file you have by right clicking on the file, then clicking on "Properties" (Windows) or "Get Info" (Mac OSX).
Summary: Not having the right Microsoft Windows Media Player version on your computer can cause problems opening AIFF files.
Associated Difficulties Loading AIFF Files
Errors opening Audio Interchange File Format files can still occur even with the latest Microsoft Windows Media Player software installed on your computer. There can be external issues inside of %%os%% that are causing these errors when opening AIFFs. These issues include:
- Windows Registry AIFF file paths that are incorrect
- The AIFF file description within the Windows Registry was removed
- Invalid installation of a AIFF-associated program (eg. Microsoft Windows Media Player)
- Something has caused file corruption of your AIFF
- The AIFF is infected with a virus
- Device drivers for AIFF-related hardware are out-of-date
- Too many applications are open on your PC to load your Audio Interchange File Format file successfully
Quiz: What file extension is an audio file?
That's Correct!
AAC, or Advanced Audio Coding File format, is a lossy digital audio compression format. It achieves better sound quality than MP3 at the same bit rate.
Close, but not quite...
AAC, or Advanced Audio Coding File format, is a lossy digital audio compression format. It achieves better sound quality than MP3 at the same bit rate.
Poll: Which type of computing device you most often use to open files?