File Extension Database

Open DOS File

In the world of computers and technology, DOS (Disk Operating System) file extensions have been around for quite some time. These file extensions were used widely in MS-DOS and other DOS-based operating systems. As the technology has evolved, many of these file extensions have become obsolete or have been replaced by more modern and standardized formats. Nonetheless, understanding and working with DOS file extensions can still prove useful as you may come across them while managing older computers or data. This article will explore some of the possible formats and ways to open and use files with these extensions.

COM File Extension

COM files are executable files used in MS-DOS and represent a simple form of an executable file format. They contain binary-coded program instructions that the computer can understand and execute. COM files can typically be opened using a DOS emulator or a virtual machine that runs DOS.

One good DOS emulator option is DOSBox. This emulator can run on various platforms like Windows, Mac, and Linux. It can be used to open and execute COM files. To use DOSBox, download and install it, then follow the instructions provided on the website to run the COM file.

BAT File Extension

BAT files are batch files containing a list of commands to be executed by the command interpreter (usually cmd.exe in modern Windows systems). These files can still be used in contemporary operating systems. You can open and run BAT files by double-clicking on them, or you can execute them from the command prompt or PowerShell by typing the filename with the .bat extension.

To edit BAT files, you can use any plain text editor like Notepad or Notepad++. Simply right-click on the file, choose 'Open with,' and select the text editor of your choice.

EXE File Extension

EXE files are the most common type of executable files in DOS and Windows-based systems. These files contain program code and data compiled for execution on a computer. Unlike COM files, EXE files can hold larger programs and are more standardized.

EXE files can usually be opened and executed directly by double-clicking them or running them from the command prompt or a graphical user interface. Be cautious when opening unknown EXE files from untrusted sources, as they might contain malicious software.

Other DOS File Extensions

There are many other DOS file extensions, such as SYS (system files), DLL (dynamic-link library), and DRV (device driver). These files usually serve specific purposes in the system and are not meant to be opened or executed directly by users.

However, if you need to access, edit, or execute any of these files, you can use specialized software or text editors. For instance, you can use a hex editor like HxD or a resource editor like Resource Hacker to view and edit the contents of these files.

DOS File Important Information

Although DOS file extensions may not be as common in modern systems, they still hold their relevance in the world of computing. It's crucial to understand their various formats and uses. DOSBox, Notepad, and other software mentioned in this article can be valuable resources for working with DOS files, but always exercise caution when opening and executing files from unknown sources.

How Can I Open DOS File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open DOS file is to find a DOS file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a DOS file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open DOS file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as DOS file opener then try to search online for "DOS viewer", "application to open DOS file" or "open DOS file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open DOS file

How Can I Open DOS File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a DOS file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a DOS file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with DOS file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as DOS file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open DOS file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open DOS file then try to search for "DOS viewer", "application to open DOS file" or "read DOS file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read DOS file

How Can I Open DOS File on Android

If you downloaded a DOS file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded DOS file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "DOS".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "DOS viewer", "DOS file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open DOS File on iPhone or iPad

To open DOS File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the DOS file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "DOS". This way you can find apps which can open DOS files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "DOS viewer" or "DOS file" online in your favorite search engine.

Populating this website with information and maintaining it is an ongoing process. We always welcome feedback and questions that can be submitted by visiting Contact Us page. However since there are many users visiting this website and because our team is quite small we may not be able to follow up personally on every request. Thank you for your understanding.