Q&A: Your questions answered
I have been sent a file with a .pub extension. What kind of file is it, and how do I open it?
[ MICK HARVEY ]
Ian Sleightholm replies: First of all, save the attachment to your PC’s storage drive — never open it directly. If your security software doesn’t scan it automatically, then right-click the file and opt to scan it manually. If it checks out OK, you can go about identifying it. The step-by-step guide here reveals how.
Identify file type: In Mick’s case, .pub files are Microsoft Publisher documents — you can identify other files by visiting filext.com and typing the file extension into the Google Custom Search box in the top right-hand corner, or try a wider Google search.
Locate compatible app: If the parent program in question isn’t available for free, type it into
alternativeto.net to source alternatives. Microsoft Publisher isn’t free, but Scribus ( www.scribus.net) is an open-source desktop publishing tool that can open .pub files.
Try a file viewer: If you can’t locate a suitable app, go hunting for a free file viewing tool. Avoid Free File Viewer (Malwarebytes blocks it), and instead try File Viewer Lite from
windowsfileviewer.com, which can handle over 150 different file types.
Other solutions: Other options include trying free online file conversion tools such as Zamzar ( www.zamzar.com) or replying to the sender and explaining the situation and asking them to provide the file in a different format — a PDF is a good option if it’s available.
IP address (‘\\192.168.0.4\Shared’) to directly access a shared folder. Using the IP address works when the device name isn’t recognised. Related to this, you can also map a drive letter to a specific network resource or folder, which ensures that the shared folder is always accessible even after Windows starts. You may occasionally get an error about the drive not being found, but this is resolved by waiting a minute or two. To map a drive letter, right-click the Network icon in the left-hand pane of File Explorer and choose ‘Map network drive’. Choose your drive letter, then click Browse (if the shared folder or drive is currently present) or type it in manually again following the syntax above. Leave ‘Reconnect at sign-in’ ticked, then tick ‘Connect using different credentials’ if you log on with a different username and password.