Varieties of SNK Files

Chief SNK Description

.SNK

File Ext:	.snk
Type:	Strong Name Key File

SNK file extension may refer to a software key file created by a cryptographic program called Strong Name Tool (Sn.exe). This program is included with Microsoft's .NET framework. A public key and private key pair are stored in this SNK file to be used in digital signing and authentication of an application.

Company:	Microsoft Corporation
Function:	Encoded Files
Location:	HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.snk

Software Programs That Open The Strong Name Key File:

Microsoft Visual Studio by Microsoft Corporation

Windows

Microsoft Strong Name Tool by Microsoft Corporation

Windows

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Troubleshooting Problems Opening SNK Files

Common SNK Opening Problems

Microsoft Visual Studio Removed

Double-clicking your SNK file prompts the message "%%os%% Can't Open SNK File". Usually, this is because you do not have Microsoft Visual Studio for %%os%% installed. Your operating system cannot associate your SNK with Microsoft Visual Studio, so double-clicking the file won't work.

Tip: If you have another software that you know opens SNK files, you can select it by hitting the "Show Apps" button.

Wrong Version of Microsoft Visual Studio is Installed

In other instances, your Strong Name Key File file version may not be supported by your version of Microsoft Visual Studio. You will need to download a newer version of Microsoft Visual Studio if you don't have the right version. This problem is predominately due to having a Strong Name Key File file version that was created by a newer version of Microsoft Visual Studio than what you have installed on your PC.

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

Ultimately, most of the difficulties opening SNK files are due to having the wrong version of Microsoft Visual Studio installed.

Other Causes of SNK File Opening Problems

Assuming you have the right Microsoft Visual Studio version installed, other problems can prevent you from opening SNK files. There can be other issues - unrelated to software - preventing you from opening SNK files. These other problems include (listed in order from most to least common):

• SNK file type Registry entries are wrong
• Unintentional removal of the description of the SNK file inside the Windows Registry
• Microsoft Visual Studio or another SNK application experienced a flawed installation
• Your SNK file is corrupted (issues with your Strong Name Key File file itself)
• SNK file integrity has been compromised by malware
• SNK-related hardware has device drivers that obsolete
• Insufficient system resources to successfully open Strong Name Key File files