It is possible that you may need to reinstall Norton Ghost in order to open the .gho and .ghs files on your computer, unless you still have it available on your computer. Norton Ghost is fully capable of looking at .gho and .ghs files as well as extracting them.

GHO and GHS Files

Files with the extension .gho and .ghs are associated with Norton Ghost and are typically opened using this application. In general, it would be best for you to use the same version of Norton Ghost that was used to create the files. If you aren’t sure which version of Norton Ghost you created them with, then you’ll need to install whatever version you have available.

It’s important to note, though, that not all versions of the Norton Ghost application have been created equally. For example, version 9.0 does not recognize .ghs files, so you wouldn’t be able to extract them using that version. Your best bet is to use an older version of Norton Ghost since .ghs files were created using an older version. If your computer has Ghost Explorer on it, then you should be able to open them.

Using Ghost Explorer to Open .ghs and .gho files

If you search for “Ghost Explorer,” you can easily find a free download for this application. You can also visit the website for Symantec where you will find a free download for “Ghost Explorer.” Once you download this application, you should save it to your desktop so that you can find it easily. Next, double click on the icon (GHO_Explorer.exefile) to launch the application. You may be prompted to “Run” the application. If so, choose to run it since this will install the application so that you can use it.

Open “Ghost Explorer,” choose “File” and “Open.” Next, search for the file that you want to open, highlight it, and select “Open.” Next, you’ll need to highlight the file once it appears in the main window of “Ghost Explorer,” and select “Extract” from “File.” When you are prompted to save the file, choose a location that you will remember and select “Extract.”

Improve Computer Performance

Since your computer isn’t working as well as it did when you first got it, you might want to try scanning for spyware and defragging the computer to see if that cleans it up enough for it to run better.

The PTB File Extension

The PTB file extension is used as a backup file for Peachtree Accounting software as well as another type of program called Power Tab which is used for storing and cataloging guitar and bass data. Because these are two dramatically different programs, you'll need to use the correct program for opening your PTB files.

For example, if you know that the PTB file contains your company's business records, it's likely that the file was created with Peachtree Accounting. On the other hand, if you're a musician or music enthusiast, then the PTB file could be a Power Tab File.

Opening PTB Files

If the file is a Peachtree Accounting PTB file, then you won't actually open it but rather restore it. Peachtree's PTB files are backup files. In order to backup the data, you'll need to open Peachtree Accounting, go to File > Restore and then select the PTB file. You will then need to choose what to restore from a list of several options. Make your selection and follow the prompts to restore the PTB file.

Note: If the PTB file is stored on a CD-R, you might want to copy it to the hard disk and then try the restoration from the hard disk. This has worked for some users who have not been able to restore from external media.

To open a Power Tab PTB file, you will need the Power Tab Editor installed on your system. Launch the software and go to File > Open to find the PTB file. Select the file and click open.

PTB File Corruption

PTB files, like all file types, can become corrupt. If this is the case, several services on the Internet claim to be able to repair PTB file corruption.

First, let me say that it isn't necessarily that you are doing anything wrong. Different operating systems function differently depending on which version you are using along with the type of resources you have available as well as what you are attempting to do. I have seen the problem that you are describing on one of my older computers, so I am going to suggest trying the fist solution before attempting any of the others, as it is most likely going to be the one that works for you.

Typically, when you receive an attachment along with your email, you do need to exercise caution to make sure that you trust the source. Scanning it with a reliable anti-virus protection application helps to protect you. You should always complete this step before opening any attachment.

Opening PDF Attachments: Save the PDF File

Although this might appear to be quite a simple solution, it isn't one that most people would think of trying first. The natural conclusion when an attachment fails to open is simple that you must be doing something wrong. Sometimes, the failure to open is just a little quirk that can be fixed with this suggestion.

Instead of attempting to open the PDF file attachment directly through your email, first save the PDF file to the hard drive. When you double click or right click on the PDF attachment, you should see an option to save the file to disk along with the option to open the PDF. Simply choose "save it to disk." Make sure you look to see which location your PDF file will be saved at so you know where to find it.

Before you open the PDF file for viewing, scan the file with your anti-virus protection to ensure that it is clean. It should open easily for you now.

Opening PDF Attachments: File Association

Typically, you can see the file association for any attached files that you receive in your email. It is important to check for a PDF file association before attempting to open the file with Adobe Reader. Once you are sure that you are dealing with a PDF, the next step is to check that the application you are trying to use to open it is the correct one. When you attempt to open your file, you should receive an opportunity to select the application that you want to use. Take this opportunity to make sure that the proper application has been selected to do so.

Opening PDF Attachments: Updates and Installation

On the off chance that your Adobe Reader is in need of an update or it has not been properly installed, you can uninstall it and reinstall the application on your desktop computer.

Opening PDF Attachments: Alternative Applications

Adobe Reader does have a tendency to be a resource hog. Therefore, you might also want to consider using an alternative application to open PDF attachments. Both Foxit Reader and Sumatra can be used to open files with PDF file associations.

Truevision TARGA Files

TGA files are high-end image files originally developed by Truevision for display on its graphic display cards and for use with its video software programs. Also known as TARGA (Truevision Advanced Raster Graphics Adapter), the TGA file format supports color maps, any image dimension, thumbnail images, gamma values, alpha channels, textual information, and data defined by the developer. Note: Truevision was acquired by Pinnacle Systems.

What Programs Use TGA Files?

Though the TARGA file format was originally designed for use with Truevision hardware and video software, it quickly became a popular format with video game developers and graphic artists. Several paint applications began using the TGA file extension. Today, many paint applications and CAD applications support TGA.

How to Open TGA Files

In order to open a TGA file, you will need a program that supports the TGA file extension. If you currently have Apple QuickTime Player installed on your system, use that program to open the TGA file. If not, consider downloading it as this is a free program that should open the TGA file without a problem. Other options such as Adobe PhotoShop CS5, Adobe PhotoShop Elements, Adobe Illustrator, and CorePaintshop Pro are commercial programs. If you have any of these installed, then go ahead and use your program to open the TGA file. If not, you might try GIMP, a free open-source image manipulation program from Gimp.org that supports the TGA file format.

If you simply need to view the file, QuickTime should be fine. If you need to edit the file, you'll want to use one of the other programs as QuickTime Player isn't designed for image editing.

With two free options (Apple QuickTime and GIMP) and numerous commercial programs supporting TGA files, you should be able to open your TGA file in no time.

To learn more about the TGA file format or any other file extension, check out Filetonic's File Extension Library.

Rest assured, this is one of those easy problems to solve. Some companies forget that there are real people on the receiving end of software updates and forget to include details for those of us who like to know where everything is going. This is especially true for someone who is unused to dealing with zipped files.

What Are ZIP Files?

A ZIP file, sometimes referred to as a compressed archive file, is a single file that contains a number of compressed files. It is also possible that a ZIP file might contain only a single file. The files are compressed to make them smaller and easier to be transmitted electronically. Plus, only one download is needed to transfer all of the files.

Downloading Acer Updates

When you downloaded your selected Acer Updates, each one was placed into a folder that was created at the time of the download. Quite often, these files are stored on the desktop or in your documents folder. Most likely, you already know where the original ZIP file is stored since you are attempting to extract the compressed files stored in it.

Unzip Acer Updates

Once you begin the task of unzipping updates, the following scenario typically occurs. After clicking to extract the files, a dialog box pops open that asks you where you want to download the ZIP files. You should download the extracted files into the original folder that includes the original ZIP file.

Location for Acer Updates

In all honesty, it is up to you where you would like to download your Acer updates. My best suggestion is to extract all of the Acer update files into the folder that contains the downloaded ZIP file. The utility you are using to unzip the files should automatically list the location of the original ZIP file (Acer update) when it pops open as you attempt to extract the files. The option to choose a directory is intended for advanced users who might wish to save their files in a different directory. This isn't actually necessary however.

Are you looking to recover a file that went missing? Or are you simply looking to open a file with the .odt extension? Or perhaps you are simply having trouble downloading the software. Solutions exist and you should be able to complete an open document recovery.

Open Document Text with Microsoft Office

Although Microsoft Office does not open files with the .odt extension, it is possible to obtain a plugin that allows it to do so. If you are using a Windows-based operating system, first make sure that you have installed any updates or Service Packs intended for your version of Microsoft Office.

Next, download and install the Sun ODF Plugin, which you can easily obtain after completing an online search. For best results, close all other applications before completing the download and installation. Then, select "File" and select the document that you wish to open. Either double-click the file or select "Open."

Recover Open Document Text: Zip It

If you have a file containing Open Document text, you can rename the file to a .zip extension. This allows you to open it using WinZip or WinRAR. You can easily obtain either of these applications online. Once you open the zipped files, look for the file labeled "content" and try to open it using any text editor.

Recover Open Document Text: Check Out Your Temporary Directory

If you are lucky, you might have a copy of the file in your Temp Directory. You can usually find your temp files in this folder: C\Documents and Settings\USERNAME\Local Settings\Temp. If you locate the file, make a copy of it, place and save it in a different folder, and attempt to open it using either the zip method or using the OpenOffice Software.

Download OpenOffice Software

The best way to download software is to do so after a fresh boot of your computer with all other applications closed. This scenario allows the software to install more quickly. Once you have installed the OpenOffice Software, you can attempt to open the files that you need.

The file extension (.axp) is your clue that the file needs a special type of software application to open it.

The AXP File Extension

Some files with the AXP extension are audio compilation files that have been created using the CDBurnerXP program, a special application designed to burn CD, DVD, Blu-ray, or HS-DVD discs. This type of file typically includes a list of audio files along with the track number, artist, title, duration, and file path. This type of AXP file also includes the date it was created along with the total length of the playback time. Generally, files of this nature are stored in an XML format.

The AXP file extension is also commonly used with GraphStore eCADLite or AnvilCad as a CAD file.

The AppGini program also uses AXP files. This program is used to develop web database applications.

How to Open AXP Files

In order to open AXP files, you need to have the right application installed on your computer. Four different applications can be used depending on the one that created your file. They include AnvilCad, AppGini MySQL Code Generator Project, CDBurnerXP, and GraphStore eCADLite.

Most likely, your file has been created by the Canneverbe CDBurnerXP audio compilation program so you need to have it installed on your computer. Once you do, you can use it to open the file. This program was created by Stefan and Fredrik Haglund, Florian Schmitz.

The AppGini program is offered through BigProf Software. It can be used to open any of the files that have been created with that application.

If you have a CAD file, then you need to install either AnvilCad or GraphStore eCADLite to open the AXP file. If you have another CAD application, you can attempt to use it to open your AXP file before investing in a different program.

File Extension Associations

Typically, the computer's operating system knows which programs open most files. If these file associations become corrupted or broken, then errors might occur. Sometimes, the fix is as simple as changing the way you open a file or finding a new way to open it.  

Problems with File Extension Associations: Malware

If you are having difficulty downloading programs including ones designed to fix file association problems, then it is possible that your computer is infected with a virus. Run a good anti-virus application to remove any malware that has gotten onto your computer. If you do not have such a program, try Antivirus PLUS.

Fixing Problems with File Extension Associations: Alternate Programs

If you have a specific file that you cannot open, you can right click on the document and choose properties. Select the "General" tab if it is not already selected. Near the top of the box, you will see "Opens with" and a tab labeled "Change." You will also see what program is listed to open the file. If you select "Change," you can select a different program. Sometimes this is beneficial to do for a variety of reasons such as switching to Sumatra to open PDFs instead of Adobe. Sumatra takes up fewer resources.

Manually Repair Broken File Associations

You can also reset file extension associations manually:

1.    Right click on the file

2.    Select Open With

3.    Select Choose Program

4.    Select your program that you want to use to open the file

5.    Select OK

Run chkdsk

The chkdsk, a command-line tool, can be used to repair or fix file system errors. To run this application:

1. Select Start
2. Select Run
3. Type: cmd
4. Click OK
5. Type: chkdsk c:
6. Reboot the computer

Problems Downloading File Extension Software

If you are having difficulty downloading file extension software, double check to make sure that you are downloading the proper application for your operating system. Close all other applications when downloading any new programs.

EXE Files Don't Work

Due to the number of issues that you are having including the fact that your exe files don't work, it sounds as though your computer has been infected by a powerful form of malware. Since that is a serious problem, try the first set of directions first to see if you can fix the problem. If that does not work, you can continue with the other listed options in the order that makes sense to you. Cookies aren't really a serious issue, but once you go through the fixes, you should be able to go back to deleting your cookies.

Safe Mode with Internet 

Turn the computer on. As soon as it begins to boot up, press the "F8" key on the keyboard. Select the option to use Safe Mode with Internet. Once you get into your operating system, try an online virus scanner such as Housecall to get rid of whatever form of malware has infected the computer.

Reset EXE File Extension

In addition, your .exe file association may be broken. You can reset it using the following instructions: 

1.    Open the registry (Go to Start > Run and type regedit into the box. Click OK)

2.    Search for HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT|.exe

3.    Change the value listed for "Default" to exefile

4.    Search for HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT|.exefile|shell|open|command

5.    Change the value for "Default" to"%1"%*

6.    Reboot

Additional information about restoring the .exe file association is detailed on the Filetonic Restore EXE File Association page.

Repair the Operating System

If you have the disk for your operating system, use it to complete a repair of your system. This should fix any errors due to corrupt files.

Use the Scan Disk Utility

Run the "scan disk utility" to see if it will fix the error. Complete these steps to run it:

1. Navigate to and select "Start."
2. Navigate to and select "Programs."
3. Navigate to and select "Accessories."
4. Navigate to and select "System Tools."
5. Navigate to and select "Scan Disk." Make sure you also select the correct drive for scanning. Select the option for a thorough scan as well as automatically fix errors.

Reinstall the Operating System

If need be, you can save any documents and files that you need to keep and reinstall your operating system completely. This should be your last ditch effort though as it is similar to starting out completely from scratch.

It is important to follow certain steps when updating your Billion 7404VGP modem in order to avoid any problems with the installation. If you follow these steps completely, you should not have a problem with the .afw update not recognized by Windows. In some cases, the .afw file has been renamed as a .tar file and renaming it back to the .afw file and following the directions included here makes it possible to complete the Billion modem update.

Basically, you need to visit the Web interface for the Billion modem to access the firmware. You also need to realize that the .afw file is compressed and needs to be decompressed before it is usable.

AFW Update Not Recognized

If you have forgotten to unzip the .afw file, you will not be able to open it. Unzip the file using WinRAR, WinZip, or similar application before attempting the next set of directions.

Steps for Modem Update

1. Open your web browser.

2. Enter the default IP address for the modem http://192.168.1.1.254/ in the address bar.

3. Type "admin" into the username and password fields.

4. Select "Software Version."

5. Select "Configuration."

6. Select "System."

7. Select "Firmware Upgrade."

8. Select "Browse" and select the .afw file that you have already downloaded to your computer.

9. Select "Upgrade." It can take two minutes or longer for this process to take place.

Tips for Completing a Modem Update

It is best to close all running applications when completing a modem update. This includes anti-virus applications that might be running real-time protection as these can interfere with the process. Avoid touching any buttons on the router or computer during the update. If you lose power during the modem updating process, it is possible that you will have to go through the procedure all over again. Billion has a terrific manual that you can download from the Internet to help guide you through this process.