PAX File Extension

What is PAX file?

Full format name of files that use PAX extension is PAX Archive. PAX Archive specification was created by POSIX. PAX file format is compatible with software that can be installed on Linux, Mac OS, Windows system platform. Files with PAX extension are categorized as Compressed Files files. The Compressed Files subset comprises 236 various file formats. The most popular program for handling PAX files is 7-Zip, but users can choose among 3 different programs that support this file format. On the official website of Igor Pavlov developer not only will you find detailed information about the7-Zip software, but also about PAX and other supported file formats.

Programs which support PAX file extension

Below you will find an index of software programs that can be used to open PAX files divided into 3 categories according to system platform supported. Files with PAX 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 PAX extension?

Being unable to open files with PAX extension can be have various origins. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to PAX Archive files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with PAX files.

Step 1. Download and install 7-Zip

Problems with opening and working with PAX files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with PAX files being present on your machine. The most obvious solution is to download and install 7-Zip or one to the listed programs: Apple Archive Utility, pax. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support PAX files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. One of the most risk-free method of downloading software is using links provided by official distributors. Visit 7-Zip website and download the installer.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of 7-Zip

If the problems with opening PAX files still occur even after installing 7-Zip, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of 7-Zip is available. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. If you have an older version of 7-Zip installed, it may not support PAX format. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using 7-Zip.

Step 3. Associate PAX Archive files with 7-Zip

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate PAX files with latest version of 7-Zip you have installed on your device. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

Change the default application in Windows

• Right-click the PAX file and choose Open with option
• Next, select the Choose another app option and then using More apps open the list of available applications
• Finally select Look for another app on this PC, point to the folder where 7-Zip is installed, check the Always use this app to open PAX files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

Change the default application in Mac OS

• Right-click the PAX file and select Information
• Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
• Select 7-Zip and click Change for all...
• A message window should appear informing that This change will be applied to all files with PAX extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Verify that the PAX 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 PAX file. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

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

Should it happed that the PAX is infected with a virus, this may be that cause that prevents you from accessing it. It is advised to scan the system for viruses and malware as soon as possible or use an online antivirus scanner. If the scanner detected that the PAX file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

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

If the PAX file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. When downloading the file with PAX extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

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

4. Check whether your system can handle 7-Zip

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

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

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with PAX Archive file. It may be the case that the PAX files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

Do you want to help?

If you have additional information about the PAX 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 PAX file.