BSA File Extension

What is BSA file?

Files with BSA extension are associated with games published by Bethesda Softworks.

What kind of data can BSA files store?

BSA files store game assets and resources various required for the game to run, including:

• graphics and 2D/3D textures,
• audio tracks, samples,
• 3D models,
• characters, inventory items, etc.
• dialog text,
• AI scripts.

BSA file is a generic format for storing game resources used by software developed by Bethesda Softworks.

Can BSA files be opened manually?

The BSA format is a type of archive and thus editing such files using, for example, a Notepad is not possible. However, dedicated tools exist that allow use to edit BSA files after decompressing the archive. Users can modify the contents of BSA files to change various gameplay or game world elements and settings. Such modified BSA files are distributed as official or unofficial extension packages called mods, which can be downloaded and applied to the target game.

Programs which support BSA file extension

Below is a table that list programs that support BSA files. Files with BSA 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.

Updated: 09/13/2022

How to open file with BSA extension?

Being unable to open files with BSA extension can be have various origins. What is important, all common issues related to files with BSA extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with BSA files.

Step 1. Get the BSA Commander

Problems with opening and working with BSA files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with BSA files being present on your machine. The most obvious solution is to download and install BSA Commander or one to the listed programs: BSA Unpacker, BSA Browser, Dragon UnPACKer. On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. If you want to download BSA Commander installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit vasiliy73 website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Update BSA Commander to the latest version

If the problems with opening BSA files still occur even after installing BSA Commander, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of BSA Commander is available. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. This can be one of the causes why BSA files are not compatible with BSA Commander. The latest version of BSA Commander should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Assign BSA Commander to BSA files

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

The procedure to change the default program in Windows

• Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the BSA file
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• Finally select Look for another app on this PC, point to the folder where BSA Commander is installed, check the Always use this app to open BSA files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with BSA extension, select Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• Select BSA Commander and click Change for all...
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with BSA extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

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

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the BSA file is valid. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

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

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the BSA file hinders attempts to open it. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. BSA file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

Did you receive the BSA file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. 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 BSA 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

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Log in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run BSA Commander

If the systems has insufficient resources to open BSA files, try closing all currently running applications and try again.

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 Bethesda Softworks Archive files. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle BSA files.

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