286 File Type

Researcher:   |   Revised: April 27, 2019

Microsoft Silver

286 File Summary

File Extension 286 has only one distinct file type (Microsoft Windows Virtual Device Driver format) and is mostly associated with a single related software program from Microsoft Corporation (Microsoft Windows 3.x). These files can be categorized as System Files.

File Extension 286 is supported by the Windows operating system. These types of files can be found on both desktop and mobile devices. These files have a Popularity Rating of "Low", meaning they are not very commonly observed on your average hard disk.

Please see the detailed information below to learn more about 286 files and the programs that can open them. In addition, we provide simple troubleshooting information to help you open your 286 file.

Low
Popularity
11600
Standing

/ 11690

Active

File Status

27

April

2019

Refreshed

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Varieties of 286 Files


Dominant 286 File Type

.286
File Format:.286
Group:Microsoft Windows Virtual Device Driver

A 286 file suffix is associated with Microsoft Windows 3.x, an operating system that was used in the early 90s. It was later replaced by Windows 95 in the year 1995. The file essentially stored Microsoft Windows (standard mode), virtual device driver.

Author: Microsoft Corporation
Kind:System Files
Registry Key: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.286

Software Programs That Open The Microsoft Windows Virtual Device Driver:


Microsoft Windows 3.x by Microsoft Corporation

Windows

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286 Popularity


Browser Popularity

Chrome (58.80%)
Firefox (11.05%)
Internet Explorer (9.04%)
Edge (8.46%)
Safari (3.87%)


286 Troubleshooting


Common 286 Opening Problems

Microsoft Windows 3.x Disappeared

When trying to open your 286 file, you get the error "Can't Open 286 File Type". When this happens, it is commonly due to Microsoft Windows 3.x missing in %%os%%. The typical path of opening your 286 with a double-click won't work because %%os%% cannot make the program connection.


Tip: When another 286 application is installed, you can choose to open it by selecting "Show Apps" and using that program.


Microsoft Windows 3.x Requires Update

Sometimes your installed version of Microsoft Windows 3.x won't support your Microsoft Windows Virtual Device Driver file. Visit the Microsoft Corporation website to download (or purchase) the latest version of Microsoft Windows 3.x. Most of the time your Microsoft Windows Virtual Device Driver file was created by a newer Microsoft Windows 3.x than what you have installed.


Tip: If you right-click on your 286 file, then select "Properties" (Windows) or "Get Info" (Mac), you can obtain hints about what version you need.


Conclusion: The majority of 286 file opening issues are due to not having the correct Microsoft Windows 3.x version installed.


Other 286 File Opening Causes

You can still experience errors opening 286 files even with the latest version of Microsoft Windows 3.x installed on your PC. There can be external issues inside of %%os%% that are causing these errors when opening 286s. Additional factors include:

  • Corrupt Windows Registry file path references for 286
  • The 286 file description within the Windows Registry was removed
  • Corrupt install of Microsoft Windows 3.x or other 286-related program
  • The 286 itself is corrupted
  • Malware-tainted 286 file can't be opened
  • Hardware associated with 286 has outdated drivers
  • Your PC doesn’t have enough available resources to open the Microsoft Windows Virtual Device Driver file

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