FOL File Extension

What is FOL file?

FOL is a database file associated with Personal Filing System (PFS) First Choice software suited developed by SoftKey for DOS and early versions of Windows systems. FOL files store databases that supported basic database queries and other commands and report generation feature.

Usage

FOL format is considered obsolete and is no longer used or supported in any database management software. Some tools exist that are capable of converting FOL files to more modern database formats. PFS First Choice was discontinued, and the FOL format is no longer developed due to its outdated design.

Programs which support FOL file extension

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

Updated: 08/24/2023

How to open file with FOL extension?

Problems with accessing FOL may be due to various reasons. Fortunately, most common problems with FOL 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. Download and install FirstOut

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports FOL files installed on the system. The solution is straightforward, just download and install FirstOut. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. The safest method of downloading FirstOut installed is by going to developer’s website () and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of FirstOut

If the problems with opening FOL files still occur even after installing FirstOut, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of FirstOut is available. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. This can be one of the causes why FOL files are not compatible with FirstOut. The latest version of FirstOut should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Set the default application to open FOL files to FirstOut

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate FOL files with latest version of FirstOut you have installed on your device. The next step should pose no problems. The procedure is straightforward and largely system-independent

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the FOL file
• 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 FirstOut installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open FOL files box and clicking OK button.

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• Right-click the FOL file and select Information
• Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
• From the list choose the appropriate program and confirm by clicking Change for all....
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with FOL extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Verify that the FOL is not faulty

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the FOL file in question. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

1. The FOL 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 FOL 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. If the FOL file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

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

If you obtained the problematic FOL file from a third party, ask them to supply you with another copy. It is possible that the file has not been properly copied to a data storage and is incomplete and therefore cannot be opened. If the FOL file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

3. Check if the user that you are logged as has administrative privileges.

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the PFS First Choice Database Format file again.

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

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with FOL 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 PFS First Choice Database Format files. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with FOL files affecting older versions of given software.

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