386 file icon

386 File Extension

Windows Virtual Device Driver
  • Developer
    Microsoft
  • Category
  • Popularity
    4.3 (8 votes)

What is 386 file?

Full format name of files that use 386 extension is Windows Virtual Device Driver. Windows Virtual Device Driver specification was created by Microsoft. Files with 386 extension may be used by programs distributed for Windows platform. 386 file belongs to the System Files category just like 323 other filename extensions listed in our database. The most popular program for handling 386 files is Not meant to be opened, but users can choose among 1 different programs that support this file format.

Programs which support 386 file extension

The following listing features 386-compatible programs. 386 files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

Programs that support 386 file

How to open file with 386 extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening 386 files on given system. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to Windows Virtual Device Driver files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. The list below will guide you through the process of addressing the encountered problem.

Step 1. Install Not meant to be opened software

Install software to open 386 file The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening 386 files is that no program that can handle 386 files is installed on user’s system. This issue can be addressed by downloading and installing Not meant to be opened or different compatible program, such as Microsoft Windows. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. If you want to download Not meant to be opened installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Update Not meant to be opened to the latest version

Update software that support file extension 386If you already have Not meant to be opened installed on your systems and 386 files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. If you have an older version of Not meant to be opened installed, it may not support 386 format. The most recent version of Not meant to be opened is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Associate Windows Virtual Device Driver files with Not meant to be opened

If you have the latest version of Not meant to be opened installed and the problem persists, select it as the default program to be used to manage 386 on your device. The next step should pose no problems. The procedure is straightforward and largely system-independent

Associate software with 386 file on Windows

Change the default application in Windows

  • Clicking the 386 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 Not meant to be opened is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open 386 files and clicking OK.
Associate software with 386 file on Mac

Change the default application in Mac OS

  • From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with 386 extension, select Information
  • Open the Open with section by clicking its name
  • Select the appropriate software and save your settings by clicking Change all
  • Finally, a This change will be applied to all files with 386 extension message should pop-up. Click Continue button in order to confirm your choice.

Step 4. Verify that the 386 is not faulty

You closely followed the steps listed in points 1-3, but the problem is still present? You should check whether the file is a proper 386 file. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

Check 386 file for viruses
1. Check the 386 file for viruses or malware

If the 386 is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. It is advised to scan the system for viruses and malware as soon as possible or use an online antivirus scanner. If the 386 file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Ensure the file with 386 extension is complete and error-free

If the 386 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 386 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 in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.

4. Verify that your device fulfills the requirements to be able to open Not meant to be opened

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with 386 extension. In this case close the other applications.

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

Regularly updated system, drivers, and programs keep your computer secure. This may also prevent problems with Windows Virtual Device Driver files. It may be the case that the 386 files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

Do you want to help?

If you have additional information about the 386 file, we will be grateful if you share it with our users. To do this, use the form here and send us your information on 386 file.

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