File Extension Database

Open ROM File

File extension ROM is used to describe files that contain data referred to as firmware which is used by computer hardware. These files are used to update data stored on computer systems were ordinary files and executables are restricted. Such uses include the update file for the BIOS and other hardware components on a system that contain read-only-memory modules like Video Cards. ROM files are readable by different applications designed for a certain hardware installed on computers running with Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Instructions written on ROM files serve as mediators between the hardware and the operating system. A certain ROM file is associated to a hardware connected and used by a computer system in order to provide the operating system with information about the mounted device. For use as an update for the BIOS firmware, a ROM file can be downloaded from the BIOS manufacturer's website and updated through a flash program.

Apart from its use as an update file for computer hardware, ROM files are also used by other applications and devices to function. This includes the use of such extension for the popular game console Nintendo 64 (N64). Game files from this console are stored in a read-only file that can be opened by the device.

No threats have been recorded in connection with the use of ROM files to launch devastating computer attacks. However, there are theories formulated by security experts that these files can be hijacked and recoded in order to provide wrong information to a system's ROM.

A scenario involving the use of this extension to spread fears of computer attacks was recorded way back in 2000 when Kaspersky Lab, a renowned anti-virus software developer, discovered a memory resident virus that uses ROM as part of its filename. The Virus.DOS.Rom.331 is classified by the company as a non-harmful virus whose payload includes the modification of executed COM files. Once infected, the virus warns a computer user about an incompatibility with the system's ROM BIOS.

There are few applications that can be used to open ROM files. This includes memory flashers supplied by various computer motherboard manufacturers to allow users to update their computer's BIOS information. Asus EZ Flash and the AFUDOS utilities are two utility applications offered by Asus for updating their motherboard's BIOS.

How Can I Open ROM File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open ROM file is to find a ROM file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a ROM 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 ROM 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 ROM file opener then try to search online for "ROM viewer", "application to open ROM file" or "open ROM file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open ROM file

How Can I Open ROM File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a ROM file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a ROM 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 ROM file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as ROM file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open ROM file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open ROM file then try to search for "ROM viewer", "application to open ROM file" or "read ROM file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read ROM file

How Can I Open ROM File on Android

If you downloaded a ROM 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 ROM 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 "ROM".
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 "ROM viewer", "ROM 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 ROM File on iPhone or iPad

To open ROM 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 ROM 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 "ROM". This way you can find apps which can open ROM 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 "ROM viewer" or "ROM file" online in your favorite search engine.