COLLAB File Extension

What is COLLAB file?

Thanks to files with the .COLLAB extension, it is possible to store data about meetings or materials recorded during Blackboard Collaborate sessions. This is what's called a session file. It contains a link that can be loaded after starting the Collaborate Launcher app. This application is required to open the session saved in the file.

Launching Sessions from .COLLAB Files

Handling .COLLAB files is possible on both Windows and MacOS computers. However, appropriate software available for download from the internet is required. Essentially, there are two types of files with the .COLLAB extension:

• meeting.collab - with a saved redirection to a meeting, conference in the Collaborate Launcher software,
• play.collab - allowing to open, playback saved sessions.

Joining teleconferences may also be possible using mobile devices with the appropriate application. This functionality depends on the version of the equipment owned.

Creating .COLLAB Files - Blackboard Site

Files with the .COLLAB extension can be downloaded from the Blackboard site where sessions are organized. They are saved by the browser in the Download / Downloads directory. Attempting to run them directs to the associated application, which should be the Collaborate Launcher program. If it is not installed, one should download it from the manufacturer's website. The site may also automatically launch the application.

Programs which support COLLAB file extension

Programs that can handle COLLAB files are as follows. Files with COLLAB suffix can be copied to any mobile device or system platform, but it may not be possible to open them properly on target system.

Updated: 03/25/2024

How to open file with COLLAB extension?

Being unable to open files with COLLAB extension can be have various origins. What is important, all common issues related to files with COLLAB 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 COLLAB files.

Step 1. Get the Collaborate

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports COLLAB files installed on the system. The solution is straightforward, just download and install Collaborate. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. If you want to download Collaborate installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit Blackboard Inc. website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Check the version of Collaborate and update if needed

If the problems with opening COLLAB files still occur even after installing Collaborate, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of Collaborate is available. 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 Collaborate installed, it may not support COLLAB 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 Collaborate.

Step 3. Assign Collaborate to COLLAB files

If you have the latest version of Collaborate installed and the problem persists, select it as the default program to be used to manage COLLAB on your device. The process of associating file formats with default application may differ in details depending on platform, but the basic procedure is very similar.

Change the default application in Windows

• Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the COLLAB file
• 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 Collaborate is installed, check the Always use this app to open COLLAB files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

Change the default application in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected COLLAB file open the file menu and choose Information
• Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
• 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 COLLAB extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

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

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the COLLAB file is valid. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.

1. The COLLAB 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 COLLAB file hinders attempts to open it. It is advised to scan the system for viruses and malware as soon as possible or use an online antivirus scanner. COLLAB file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

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

If the COLLAB file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. 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. It could happen the the download process of file with COLLAB extension was interrupted and the file data is defective. Download the file again from the same source.

3. Ensure that you have appropriate access rights

Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the Collaborate Collaboration Data Format file again.

4. Check whether your system can handle Collaborate

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

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 Collaborate Collaboration Data Format file. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle COLLAB files.

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