ACSM File Extension

What is ACSM file?

File with ACSM extension contains binary data for activating and downloading an ebook, for example, eBooks with Adobe Content Server in Adobe Digital Editions software. ACSM files doesn’t contain actual ebook data but only information that allow users to legally download, authorize, and open given ebook. ACSM file can also contain information about expiration data after which the file cannot by downloaded. Program that uses ACSM files is based on a proprietary Adobe Digital Experience Protection Technology DRM management solution.

Opening ACSM files and downloading eBooks using them is possible with any applications that supports this format or any applications that uses SDK Adobe Reader Mobile techonology for mobile devices. ACSM file is typically shipped along with ebook bought through a digital bookstore. ACSM files are used by ADE software.

Programs which support ACSM file extension

The following list contains programs grouped by 2 operating systems that support ACSM files. ACSM files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

Updated: 05/25/2022

How to open file with ACSM extension?

Being unable to open files with ACSM extension can be have various origins. Fortunately, most common problems with ACSM files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.

Step 1. Install Adobe Digital Editions software

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening ACSM files is that no program that can handle ACSM files is installed on user’s system. This one is an easy one. Select Adobe Digital Editions or one of the recommended programs (for example, Adobe Creative Suite) 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 Adobe Digital Editions installed is by going to developer’s website (Adobe Systems Incorporated) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of Adobe Digital Editions

If the problems with opening ACSM files still occur even after installing Adobe Digital Editions, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of Adobe Digital Editions 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 ACSM files are not compatible with Adobe Digital Editions. The latest version of Adobe Digital Editions should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Set the default application to open ACSM files to Adobe Digital Editions

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

Change the default application in Windows

• Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the ACSM file
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where Adobe Digital Editions is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open ACSM files and clicking OK.

Change the default application in Mac OS

• Right-click the ACSM file and select Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• Select the appropriate software and save your settings by clicking Change all
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with ACSM extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Verify that the ACSM is not faulty

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

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

Should it happed that the ACSM 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 ACSM file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

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

If you obtained the problematic ACSM file from a third party, ask them to supply you with another copy. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. It could happen the the download process of file with ACSM extension was interrupted and the file data is defective. Download the file again from the same source.

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 Adobe Digital Editions

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

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

Latest versions of programs and drivers may help you solve problems with Adobe Content Server Message Format files and ensure security of your device and operating system. It may be the case that the ACSM files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

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