FM3 File Extension

What is FM3 file?

FM3 is a file extension commonly associated with Lotus 1-2-3 Spreadsheet Format files. Lotus 1-2-3 Spreadsheet Format specification was created by IBM. FM3 files are supported by software applications available for devices running Windows. FM3 file belongs to the Settings Files category just like 1305 other filename extensions listed in our database. Microsoft Excel is by far the most used program for working with FM3 files. Software named Microsoft Excel was created by Microsoft Corporation. In order to find more detailed information on the software and FM3 files, check the developer’s official website.

Programs which support FM3 file extension

Below is a table that list programs that support FM3 files. FM3 files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

How to open file with FM3 extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening FM3 files on given system. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to Lotus 1-2-3 Spreadsheet Format 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 FM3 files.

Step 1. Install Microsoft Excel software

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports FM3 files installed on the system. The solution to this problem is very simple. Download Microsoft Excel and install it on your device. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support FM3 files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. The safest method of downloading Microsoft Excel installed is by going to developer’s website (Microsoft Corporation) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of Microsoft Excel

If the problems with opening FM3 files still occur even after installing Microsoft Excel, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of Microsoft Excel 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 FM3 files are not compatible with Microsoft Excel. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using Microsoft Excel.

Step 3. Associate Lotus 1-2-3 Spreadsheet Format files with Microsoft Excel

After installing Microsoft Excel (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open FM3 files. The next step should pose no problems. The procedure is straightforward and largely system-independent

Change the default application in Windows

• Clicking the FM3 with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
• 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 Microsoft Excel is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open FM3 files and clicking OK.

Change the default application in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with FM3 extension, select 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 FM3 extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Verify that the FM3 is not faulty

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the FM3 file in question. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

1. Check the FM3 file for viruses or malware

If the FM3 is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. Scan the FM3 file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the FM3 file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Ensure the file with FM3 extension is complete and error-free

If the FM3 file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. 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 FM3 file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

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. Verify that your device fulfills the requirements to be able to open Microsoft Excel

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with FM3 extension. In this case close the other applications.

5. Check if you have the latest updates to the operating system and drivers

Regularly updated system, drivers, and programs keep your computer secure. This may also prevent problems with Lotus 1-2-3 Spreadsheet Format files. It may be the case that the FM3 files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

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