SYLK File Extension

What is SYLK file?

Full format name of files that use SYLK extension is Microsoft Symbolic Link Format. Microsoft Symbolic Link Format format was developed by Microsoft. SYLK file format is compatible with software that can be installed on Mac OS, Windows system platform. Files with SYLK extension are categorized as Data Files files. The Data Files subset comprises 1326 various file formats. Microsoft Excel supports SYLK files and is the most frequently used program to handle such files, yet 3 other tools may also be used. Software named Microsoft Excel was created by Microsoft Corporation. In order to find more detailed information on the software and SYLK files, check the developer’s official website.

Programs which support SYLK file extension

The list that follows enumerates programs compatible with SYLK files, divided into 2 categories based on operating system on which they are available. Files with SYLK extension, just like any other file formats, can be found on any operating system. The files in question may be transferred to other devices, be it mobile or stationary, yet not all systems may be capable of properly handling such files.

How to open file with SYLK extension?

Problems with accessing SYLK may be due to various reasons. Fortunately, most common problems with SYLK files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. The list below will guide you through the process of addressing the encountered problem.

Step 1. Get the Microsoft Excel

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening SYLK files is that no program that can handle SYLK files is installed on user’s system. This one is an easy one. Select Microsoft Excel or one of the recommended programs (for example, Microsoft Office, WordPerfect Office) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. The safest method of downloading Microsoft Excel installed is by going to developer’s website (Microsoft Corporation) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Update Microsoft Excel to the latest version

You still cannot access SYLK files although Microsoft Excel is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. The reason that Microsoft Excel cannot handle files with SYLK may be that the software is outdated. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using Microsoft Excel.

Step 3. Assign Microsoft Excel to SYLK files

If you have the latest version of Microsoft Excel installed and the problem persists, select it as the default program to be used to manage SYLK on your device. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

The procedure to change the default program in Windows

• Clicking the SYLK with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
• Next, select the Choose another app option and then using More apps open the list of available applications
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where Microsoft Excel is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open SYLK files and clicking OK.

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected SYLK file open the file menu and choose Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• Select Microsoft Excel and click Change for all...
• Finally, a This change will be applied to all files with SYLK extension message should pop-up. Click Continue button in order to confirm your choice.

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

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the SYLK file in question. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

1. The SYLK may be infected with malware – make sure to scan it with an antivirus tool.

If the SYLK is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. If the SYLK file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Verify that the SYLK file’s structure is intact

If the SYLK file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. It is possible that the file has not been properly copied to a data storage and is incomplete and therefore cannot be opened. When downloading the file with SYLK 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

Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the Microsoft Symbolic Link Format file.

4. Verify that your device fulfills the requirements to be able to open Microsoft Excel

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with SYLK extension. In this case close the other applications.

5. Verify that your operating system and drivers are up to date

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with Microsoft Symbolic Link Format file. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with SYLK files affecting older versions of given software.

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