Open SYS files

  • Full name
    System Format
  • Developer
    Microsoft
  • Popularity
Have you encountered a problem with a SYS file? Don’t you know which program opens a file with this extension? You will find all the information you need about working with a SYS file here. In the further part of this page we have added a list of programs that should open your SYS file. It is enough you choose a proper application for your operating system, download and install it.

What is SYS file?

Sys identifies important files for the MS-DOS and Windows operating systems. These files may contain settings and variables depending on their nature, but also provide essential functions (system configuration files). SYS files are mainly used for device drivers (system device drivers).

More info

Under MS-DOS and Windows 95, files like io.sys, msdos.sys, and config.sys were very important, but are no longer relevant. SYS files belong to the driver model of Windows and are often also part of drivers from other manufacturers. In addition to the usual system folders such as Windows / system32 and Windows / winsxs (as of Vista), these can also be located in the program or manufacturer-specific folders.

Generally you can not just install SYS files. Either they are copied via a driver installer to the right place or you need the matching inf files, which can be installed via context menu (right-click). In both cases, but still some other files are included.

Programs which can open a SYS file

How to open file with SYS extension?

In order to open a file with SYS extension one of the following programs must be installed on user’s system. If a problem with opening SYS file occurred, it is highly possible that none of the listed programs is present on user’s system. Even if one or more said programs are installed, there may be issues related with given programs. In order to solve a problem with SYS files, follow the instructions below.
1
Install Parallels Desktop or other program from the list

Most often resolving problems with opening SYS files is very simple. Just install an appropriate program that supports such files. All of the listed programs support SYS files, but may vary in offered function and purpose. Some programs may be capable only of viewing contents of SYS files or offer file conversion options, but may not be capable of editing such files.


Set Parallels Desktop as the default program for opening SYS files

It is possible that although a compatible program has been installed on user’s system, it is not used by the system to open it. This may happen because no default application was associated with this type of files. To associate SYS files with given application, select "Open with" from drop-down menu (accessed by right-clicking on the file). Then select from the list the program or application you want to be used to open this type of file. If the Parallels Desktop applications is not on the list, select "Browse" option in order to manually locate the directory where Parallels Desktop has been installed.

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Check the section that lists most common problems with SYS files

Sometimes problems with opening SYS files may not lie with the application itself, but can arise due to other causes, such as:

  • File data is corrupted
  • SYS files has been not been completely download from the internet (only a part of the data has been downloaded)
  • Currently used user account hasn’t been granted necessary privileges to open SYS files (should that be the case, please contact your system administrator or IT specialist)
  • SYS file was being copied from a corrupted storage device and is incomplete or data is corrupted. (Copying files from unknown or untrusted sources should be conducted with great care as such files may contain malicious software, which can damage your system)