ID most probably refers to file extension ID.
There are several uses of file extension ID. These include:
- Domino Server
- Lotus Notes ID file
- DVD or CD Disk Identification Files
- AOL Instant Messenger Buddy identification file.
In case of DVD or CD Disk Identification File the information contained in a file with ID extension is just a textual information which could be used to identify specific disk in a library of disks. For example, if one application is distributed on multiple disks then each of the disks in the distribution package will have an ID file with information about disk number or another useful information identifying the disk.
If you think ID file was created by Domino Server or Lotus Notes make sure that you have one of these applications installed before opening the file. If you don’t have them then you probably won’t be able to open ID file since information contained there could be only interpreted by corresponding applications.
If ID file was created by AOL Instant Messenger and you think it is used as Buddy identification file then the easiest way to open it is to try renaming it by changing its extension to JPG or PNG. This could enable you to open it in image viewer application. Alternatively you can try open such ID file using any graphics editing application. Many such applications automatically determine what type of image you’re opening.
If you think that your file with ID is not created by any of the applications above then you can try opening it using applications typically used to view textual or binary files and see if you can infer some useful information from there.
For more information on how to open files which were created by unknown application please refer to our Knowledge Base.
Open ID File on Windows OS
- Look for an ID file you need to open in Windows Explorer and double-click on it
- If the file doesn’t open automatically and you see a “Windows can’t open a file” message then you should search for a program which can open ID file
- If you have a program which can open ID file installed on your computer then launch that program and select “File” and then “Open” or similar options from its menu to open the ID file
- If you don’t have the program installed then you need to try searching for “ID wiki”, “how to open ID file” in the search engine.
- Once you find the application, install it on your computer
- After the program is installed double-click on the ID file to open it
File extensions are used by Windows operating system to specify what kind of information is stored in the file. Every file in Windows OS needs to have file extension and file extensions are used by Windows to determine which application it should use to open the file. Every application installed on Windows OS places information about which extensions it could open into the Windows registry and Windows uses this information to determine which application it should launch when user double-clicks on the file. If application which can open ID file is not installed, then Windows will show ‘Windows can’t open ID file’ message and buttons to either select an application on the computer which can open the file or to search the web for the application which can open ID file.