Basic information about COM file

When there is a problem with opening files with the file extension COM（*.COM or *.com）, you do not need a computer expert. In most cases, using the helpful suggestions of experts contained in our website as well as appropriate programs, you can solve the problem with the COM file yourself.

There are 1 file types using the COM file extension in our database. In the further part of this page, you will find detail information about all the COM file with their brief description and a list of programs that support COM file sorted by operating systems. The table below provides useful information about the COM file extension. It answers questions such as:
  • What is the COM file?
  • How to open a COM file?
  • What programs do I need to open a COM file?
  • What programs help to create and edit a COM file?
  • How to convert COM files to another file format?
  • How to convert another files to COM file format?


1.Detail information about COM file extension: DOS Command File

File type DOS Command File Category Executable Files
Developer Microsoft File format Binary
Description COM file is a DOS Command File developed by Microsoft. A COM file is an executable program capable of being run by MS-DOS and Windows. It is saved in a binary format and is similar to an .EXE file, but differs in that it has a maximum size of roughly 64KB and it has no header or metadata. COM files are commonly used for executing a set of instructions whereas EXE files are used for fully developed programs.
Software programs that will open, edit or convert COM files

Windows		 Microsoft Windows
FixExec

macOS		 Parallels Desktop for Mac with Windows installed



How to convert COM files to another file format?

There are 1 records in our database eligible for COM files to another file format conversion. If you want to achieve COM to another files conversion, you may use the option.

COM to TXT


Can't open a COM file?

When you click a file to open it, operating system examines the filename extension. If operating system recognizes the filename extension, it opens the file in the program that is associated with that filename extension. When operating system does not recognize a filename extension, you receive the following message:

”Can't open this file: example.COM”。

To open this file, you install one of the applications from the list of software programs that you found here, you should be able to open, edit or convert the file with the COM extension without any issue.


Where I can download the application that support COM file?

If you do not know where you can download the application from our list, click on the link (which is the name of the program), you will find more information there on the location where to download the required application. Most often they are the websites of software manufacturers.


How to change file associations?

  • Right-click a file with the extension whose association you want to change, and then click "Open With".
  • In the "Open With" dialog box, click the program whith which you want the file to open, or click "Browse" to locate the program that you want.
  • Select the ”Always use the selected program to open this kind of file” check box.


Can I change the extension of COM files?

Changing the filename extension of a file is not a good idea. When you change a file's extension, you change the way programs on your computer read/open the file. The problem is, changing the file extension does not change the file format. Select a software program from our list and install it on your computer. If the file has not opened correctly, you have to look for a different software program from our list. Sometimes you have to repeat the operation several times.


What else may cause problems width open a COM file?

The reasons for the lack of the ability to open a COM file on your computer may be at least several. The easiest thing is to find a suitable application installed on your computer, which will open a COM file. If there is still something wrong, you might want to check:

  • Whether the COM file is damaged.
  • Whether the COM file is incorrectly linked in the registry entries.
  • Whether the COM file extension has been accidentally removed from the Windows registry.
  • Whether the installation of an application that supports the COM file format is incompletely.
  • Whether the COM file is infected.
  • Whether the drivers of the equipment used for opening a COM file are up to date.
  • Whether your computer has enough hardware resources to open a COM file.

If the COM file still not working with your software after eliminating the above shortcomings? That means that the problem is more complex and requires the help of a specialist.