The file extension OLD is defined as a backup file used with a wide variety of programs and applications. OLD files can be created manually by the end user to symbolize a backup for a specific file or they can be automatically created by the program or application they are associated with.
The file extension OLD is a backup file type that can contain a wide variety of data which depends upon the type of program that initially created the file. For example, if the file was created using Microsoft Word, it would be a document file that contains text and other elements and typically named filename.docx. If a backup file is created, it would be named filename.docx.old.
The OLD file extension is commonly created to prevent a file from being accidentally deleted or to ensure a backup copy can be accessed in the event the original file becomes lost, damaged, or corrupt. If the OLD file extension is created by a program or application instead of manually by the user, the file is automatically created when a newer version of the file has been created or saved by the application.
How to Open OLD Files
Since the file extension OLD can be associated with multiple programs and applications, double click on the file to see if it will automatically open in a default program you have installed on your PC. OLD files can consist of different file types, so you may already have a program which will open the file.
If you are uncertain as to what program is associated with the file extension OLD, you can try opening the file using a text editing program. Depending upon the program or application which created the file, a text editor may allow you to open and view the contents of the file to allow you to determine its origin.
If you use Windows, you can try opening the OLD file using WordPad, Notepad, Helios TextPad, Open Office Writer, WordPerfect, or Microsoft Word. For Mac OS X, you can try to open OLD files using Apple TextEdit, BBEdit, TextMate, Apple Pages, or MacVim. For the Linux operating system, you can try to open and view the contents of an OLD file using AbiWord, EditPlus, gEdit, Nano Editor, PSPad, Leafpad, KWrite or Vim.
If you know the origin of the OLD file, you can open it using the original program that created the file. If you do not have access to the program or application and the file is capable of being converted to another format, you can consider this option as well. There are a variety of file conversion programs available as a free download on websites such as CNET, Softpedia, and Softonic, that will convert the file for you.
