The file extension 003 is associated with multiple programs and applications and various file types. The most common association is a compressed file archive, but the extension can also be associated with Drive Image 5 or International S-57. 003 files contain data and information related to the program that created the file.
If the 003 file extension is a compressed file archive, the 003 file is only one in a series of multi-volume file archives and can contain a wide variety of data related to the program that created the file. 003 files are created using a file joiner and splitter program which provides a way to combine files by splitting them into different parts. This means that 003 files are part of a succession of files within the Split Archive format such as file.001, file.002, file.003, and so on. In order to open and extract the contents of a Split Archive File, it is necessary to use all parts of the file sequence to extract the contents.
003 files that are associated with Drive Image 5 are a compressed file type which is used as a setup file to install the Drive Image 5 program. Drive Image is an application produced by PowerQuest that provides a way to clone or “ghost” your hard drive for the purpose of backup and restoration.
If the 003 files are classified as an International S-57 Hydrographic Data Electronic Navigation Chart file, the files are a GIS (Geographic Information System) file type that contains marine navigation data. The reason for the lengthy name is the file is created using the International Hydrographic Organization S-57 standard.
How to Open 003 Files
If the 003 file is in a compressed format, double click on the file to see if it will automatically open in a default program you have installed on your PC. If it is a compressed file type, you may already have a compression utility program which will open the file.
If the 003 files are a compressed file archive, you must split them into one file using a file splitting tool such as File Splitter, JR Split File Pro, and GSplit file splitting software. Once you have successfully split the files, you can use a compression utility tool to extract the data from the merged file.
You can use 7-Zip, WinRAR, or ZipZag to open and view the contents of a 003 file in Windows. Programs such as Smith Micro Stuffit Deluxe and Freebyte HJSplit are also effective for opening a 003 file.
For Mac OS X, you can open and view 003 files using StuffIt Expander for Mac, The Unarchiver, or RAR for Mac OS X. You can also opt to use Smith Micro Stuffit Deluxe 2011 or Split and Concat, which will open 003 files contained in a multi-volume file archive.
If you use Linux or UNIX, you can open 003 files using Xarchiver, File Roller, or RAR for Linux. You can also use PeaZip, which is multiplatform and works with Windows and Mac OS X.
If the 003 file is associated with Drive Image 5, you can open it with the Drive Image program. It is compatible with the Windows operating system and can be downloaded as a free trial on the Drive Image website.
003 files which are classified as an International S-57 Hydrographic Data Electronic Navigation Chart file, can be opened using ArcGIS, which is mapping and analysis software available in a free trial version on the ESRI website. You can also use Global Mapper, which is available as a free download on the CNET website. Both ArcGIS and Global Mapper are compatible with the Windows operating system.
