SPARSEIMAGE File Extension

What is SPARSEIMAGE file?

SPARSEIMAGE filename suffix is mostly used for Mac OS X Sparse Image files. Mac OS X Sparse Image format was developed by Apple. Files with SPARSEIMAGE extension may be used by programs distributed for Mac OS platform. SPARSEIMAGE file format, along with 203 other file formats, belongs to the Disk Image Files category. The most popular program for handling SPARSEIMAGE files is Apple Disk Utility, but users can choose among 3 different programs that support this file format. Apple Disk Utility software was developed by Apple, Inc., and on its official website you may find more information about SPARSEIMAGE files or the Apple Disk Utility software program.

Programs which support SPARSEIMAGE file extension

Programs that can handle SPARSEIMAGE files are as follows. SPARSEIMAGE files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

How to open file with SPARSEIMAGE extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening SPARSEIMAGE files on given system. What is important, all common issues related to files with SPARSEIMAGE extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.

Step 1. Get the Apple Disk Utility

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening SPARSEIMAGE files is that no program that can handle SPARSEIMAGE files is installed on user’s system. This issue can be addressed by downloading and installing Apple Disk Utility or different compatible program, such as Mac OS X, DiskImageMounter, Carbon Copy Cloner. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support SPARSEIMAGE files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. The safest method of downloading Apple Disk Utility installed is by going to developer’s website (Apple, Inc.) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Check the version of Apple Disk Utility and update if needed

If you already have Apple Disk Utility installed on your systems and SPARSEIMAGE files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. If you have an older version of Apple Disk Utility installed, it may not support SPARSEIMAGE format. The most recent version of Apple Disk Utility is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Assign Apple Disk Utility to SPARSEIMAGE files

After installing Apple Disk Utility (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open SPARSEIMAGE files. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

Change the default application in Windows

• Right-click the SPARSEIMAGE file and choose Open with option
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• To finalize the process, select Look for another app on this PC entry and using the file explorer select the Apple Disk Utility installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open SPARSEIMAGE files box and clicking OK button.

Change the default application in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with SPARSEIMAGE extension, select Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• From the list choose the appropriate program and confirm by clicking Change for all....
• A message window should appear informing that This change will be applied to all files with SPARSEIMAGE extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Ensure that the SPARSEIMAGE file is complete and free of errors

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the SPARSEIMAGE file is valid. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

1. Check the SPARSEIMAGE file for viruses or malware

If the SPARSEIMAGE is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. Scan the SPARSEIMAGE file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. SPARSEIMAGE file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

If the SPARSEIMAGE file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. During the copy process of the file errors may occurred rendering the file incomplete or corrupted. This could be the source of encountered problems with the file. When downloading the file with SPARSEIMAGE extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

3. Ensure that you have appropriate access rights

There is a possibility that the file in question can only be accessed by users with sufficient system privileges. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the Mac OS X Sparse Image file.

4. Verify that your device fulfills the requirements to be able to open Apple Disk Utility

The operating systems may note enough free resources to run the application that support SPARSEIMAGE files. Close all running programs and try opening the SPARSEIMAGE file.

5. Ensure that you have the latest drivers and system updates and patches installed

Latest versions of programs and drivers may help you solve problems with Mac OS X Sparse Image files and ensure security of your device and operating system. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with SPARSEIMAGE files affecting older versions of given software.

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