The file extension PARTIAL is associated with a variety of download programs and applications. PARTIAL files refer to files that are not completely downloaded. The files can also be the result of a failed or broken download or a download that is in the process of being completed.
The file extension PARTIAL is a temporary file type that can contain a wide variety of different types of content. The content will depend upon where the file originated, the application that it is associated with, and the purpose of the file once the download is complete.
The file extension PARTIAL gets its name from being a “partial download.” Without a complete download a file that contains the PARTIAL extension is basically useless. Many download utilities use this file extension to store portions of a download until the entire process is complete. Then the program combines all files with the PARTIAL extension when the download process is complete. Once the completed download file is in the appropriate folder, it can be launched using the specific program or application it is associated with.
How to Open PARTIAL Files
As a general rule, the file extension PARTIAL does not require opening since this type of file is not functional without the complete download. On the other hand, if you have come across a file that contains the PARTIAL extension and you are wondering whether or not you should delete it, then you may be able to open and view the contents of the file in an effort to learn more about its association.
The best way to try and open the PARTIAL file is by using a text editing program. If you use Windows, you can try to open PARTIAL files with WordPad, Notepad, Helios TextPad, Open Office Writer, WordPerfect, or Microsoft Word. For Mac OS X, you can try opening PARTIAL 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 a PARTIAL file using AbiWord, EditPlus, gEdit, Nano Editor, PSPad, Leafpad, KWrite or Vim.
If it is not possible to open and view the contents of a PARTIAL file, it is necessary to wait until a download is complete and then open the download with the appropriate corresponding application. If the download failed or was interrupted for some reason, then you should delete the files that contain the PARTIAL extension and repeat the download process. Wait until the download is officially complete and open the files using an appropriate application.
It is also important to mention that not all download utilities are successful in cleaning up and combining files with the PARTIAL extension. Some download utilities will leave unnecessary PARTIAL files in your system, which means you must locate the files and manually delete them.
