OCTET-STREAM File
What are OCTET-STREAM files and how to open them
Are you having problems opening an OCTET-STREAM file or are you simply curious about its contents? We're here to explain the properties of these files and provide you with software that can open or handle your OCTET-STREAM files.
What is an OCTET-STREAM file?
The OCTET-STREAM format is used for file attachments on the Web with an unknown file type. These .octet-stream files are arbitrary binary data files that may be in any multimedia format. The OCTET-STREAM format was developed for Web browsers to understand that the file attachment is in an unknown file type, which also allows the user to choose to download and save the attached file in any file format that the user wants.In other instances, the OCTET-STREAM file format is used to inform the user that the attached file may be saved in a recommended file format. This also allows the Web browser to enable the user to know the recommended file format for the attached .octet-stream file.These OCTET-STREAM files may be opened by renaming the extension of the attached file to a specific file extension, and then by using an application with support for opening such files. For example, an .octet-stream file may be renamed to a .txt file (if it is indeed a .txt file), and Notepad may then be used to open the file. This means the user needs to know the file type of the attached .octet-stream file before renaming the file in the correct file extension.
How to open OCTET-STREAM files
Important: Different programs may use files with the OCTET-STREAM file extension for different purposes, so unless you are sure which format your OCTET-STREAM file is, you may need to try a few different programs.
We have not yet verified any programs for Windows that work with this specific file format. If you know one, please use the 'Suggest a program' link below. Thanks!
Last updated: December 5, 2010
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