SILK File Extension

What is SILK file?

SILK filename suffix is mostly used for Microsoft Excel Symbolic Link Format files. Microsoft Corporation defined the Microsoft Excel Symbolic Link Format format standard. SILK files are supported by software applications available for devices running , Windows. SILK file belongs to the Spreadsheet Files category just like 100 other filename extensions listed in our database. Microsoft Excel supports SILK files and is the most frequently used program to handle such files, yet 7 other tools may also be used. On the official website of Microsoft Corporation developer not only will you find detailed information about theMicrosoft Excel software, but also about SILK and other supported file formats.

Programs which support SILK file extension

Below you will find an index of software programs that can be used to open SILK files divided into 2 categories according to system platform supported. Files with SILK suffix can be copied to any mobile device or system platform, but it may not be possible to open them properly on target system.

How to open file with SILK extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening SILK files on given system. What is important, all common issues related to files with SILK extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.

Step 1. Download and install Microsoft Excel

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening SILK files is that no program that can handle SILK files is installed on user’s system. The most obvious solution is to download and install Microsoft Excel or one to the listed programs: Microsoft Office, Microsoft Works, Corel Quattro Pro. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. 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. Check the version of Microsoft Excel and update if needed

You still cannot access SILK files although Microsoft Excel is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. The reason that Microsoft Excel cannot handle files with SILK may be that the software is outdated. 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. Assign Microsoft Excel to SILK files

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

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Right-click the SILK file and choose Open with option
• Next, select the Choose another app option and then using More apps open the list of available applications
• 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 SILK files and clicking OK.

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected SILK file open the file menu and choose Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• From the list choose the appropriate program and confirm by clicking Change for all....
• Finally, a This change will be applied to all files with SILK extension message should pop-up. Click Continue button in order to confirm your choice.

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

1. The SILK 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 SILK 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. If the scanner detected that the SILK file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

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

If the SILK 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. If the SILK file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

3. Verify whether your account has administrative rights

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the Microsoft Excel Symbolic Link Format file again.

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 SILK 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 Microsoft Excel Symbolic Link Format files. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with SILK files affecting older versions of given software.

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