Types of DEP Files

Dominant DEP File Type

.DEP

Formatting:	.dep
Class:	Windows Dependency File

Windows dependency file saved in a text format which contains run-time requirements for a program, such as needed components or the names of target installation files and directories for an installer. DEP files are used by many Microsoft applications.

Developer:	Microsoft Corporation
Division:	Developer Files
Key:	HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.dep

Software Programs That Open The Windows Dependency File:

Microsoft Windows by Microsoft Corporation

Windows

Microsoft Visual Basic by Microsoft Corporation

Windows

Microsoft Office by Microsoft Corporation

Windows

Mac

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Sources of DEP Problems

Troubles Opening DEP Files

Microsoft Windows Removed

Double-clicking your DEP file prompts the message "%%os%% Can't Open DEP File". If so, it typically means that you don't have Microsoft Windows installed for %%os%%. This will prevent you from double-clicking to open the DEP file because the OS doesn’t know how to handle it.

Tip: If you don't have Microsoft Windows installed, and you know of another program to open your DEP file, you can try opening it by selecting from the programs listed under "Show Apps".

Incorrect Microsoft Windows Version

It is possible that your version of Microsoft Windows isn't able to open your Windows Dependency File file due to incompatibility. Download the latest Microsoft Windows version from the Microsoft Corporation website to ensure you have the correct one installed. This problem is most common when you have an older version of the software application, and your file was created by a newer version that it cannot recognize.

Tip: You can sometimes get hints about the right program version by right-clicking on the DEP file, selecting "Properties", and looking at the version information.

Summary: Not having the right Microsoft Windows version on your computer can cause problems opening DEP files.

Other DEP File Opening Causes

You can still experience errors opening DEP files even with the latest version of Microsoft Windows installed on your PC. There can be other issues - unrelated to software - preventing you from opening DEP files. These other problems include (listed in order from most to least common):

• Invalid DEP file references in the Windows Registry (the "phonebook" of the Windows Operating System)
• Deletion of the DEP file description from the Registry by mistake
• Defective install of a DEP program, such as Microsoft Windows
• Your DEP file is corrupted (issues with your Windows Dependency File file itself)
• Past or present virus infection has affected your DEP
• Drivers associated with DEP software need to be updated
• Insufficient system resources to successfully open Windows Dependency File files