Troubleshooting Problems Opening FP Files
Issues Opening FP Files
FileMaker Pro Isn't There
When you double-click your FP file, you may see a dialog box from your operating system stating that it "Cannot Open This File Type". If so, it typically means that you don't have FileMaker Pro installed for %%os%%. You won't be able to double-click to open your FP because your OS doesn't know what to do with it.
Tip: Another FP-related program can be selected to open the file by clicking "Show Apps" and finding the application.
Outdated FileMaker Pro
It is possible that your version of FileMaker Pro isn't able to open your FileMaker Pro Spreadsheet file due to incompatibility. Installing the latest version of FileMaker Pro from FileMaker Inc. is recommended. This issue mainly occurs when your FileMaker Pro Spreadsheet file was created by a newer version of FileMaker Pro than you have on your PC.
Tip: Sometimes you can get a clue about the version of FP file you have by right clicking on the file, then clicking on "Properties" (Windows) or "Get Info" (Mac OSX).
Ultimately, most of the difficulties opening FP files are due to having the wrong version of FileMaker Pro installed.
Other FP File Issues
Although you might already have FileMaker Pro or another FP-associated software installed on your computer, you can still encounter problems opening FileMaker Pro Spreadsheet files. If you are still having problems opening FP files, there may be other issues that are preventing you from opening these files. Additional factors include:
- Corrupt Windows Registry file path references for FP
- Accidental deletion of the description of the FP file in the Windows registry
- Defective install of a FP program, such as FileMaker Pro
- The FP itself is corrupted
- Your FP has adversely impacted by malware
- Device drivers for FP-related hardware are out-of-date
- Insufficient system resources to successfully open FileMaker Pro Spreadsheet files
Quiz: Which file extension is the oldest in existence?
That's Correct!
The text file, or "TXT" for short, is the oldest file extension in existence. Although the exact date is unknown, it is thought to have been invented in the late-1960's.
Close, but not quite...
The text file, or "TXT" for short, is the oldest file extension in existence. Although the exact date is unknown, it is thought to have been invented in the late-1960's.
Poll: What file extension do you use the most often?