File Extension Library


.ZONE.IDENTIFIER File Extension

  • Developer by: Microsoft
  • Category: System Files

What are .ZONE.IDENTIFIER files and how to open them?

Can't open .ZONE.IDENTIFIER file? Are you wondering what it contains? On our site we will explain to you what this file is, what it is used for and what software opens the .ZONE.IDENTIFIER file.

What is a .ZONE.IDENTIFIER file extension?

.ZONE.IDENTIFIER file extension is created by Microsoft. .ZONE.IDENTIFIER has been classified as System Files.

.ZONE.IDENTIFIER is Windows Zone Identifier File

File that contains metadata describing the security zones associated with another file; generated automatically when a file is downloaded from the Internet or received as an email attachment; often created by Internet Explorer.

Zone identifier files are also known as "alternate data stream" (ADS) files, since they are only used to describe other files. They have the same filename as the original file, followed by a colon and the text "Zone.Identifier." For example, the file "download.exe:Zone.Identifier" may be saved along with a downloaded file named "download.exe."

Windows uses zone identifier files to manage security settings for downloaded files. Since the files are referenced by the operating system, they are not meant to be opened manually. When the original file is deleted, the corresponding zone identifier file is automatically removed by the operating system. Zone identifier files are hidden by default, but may be visible if the "Show Hidden Files" option is turned on.

List of all softwares that can open the Windows Zone Identifier File
Windows
Microsoft Windows

How to fix problems with .ZONE.IDENTIFIER files

  1. You need to update the application that you normally use to open .ZONE.IDENTIFIER files. Only the latest version of the software supports the current .ZONE.IDENTIFIER file format
  2. You need to check the .ZONE.IDENTIFIER file for viruses. To do this, you need to scan it with a popular antivirus (Norton, Nod32, Kaspersky, Dr.Web, etc.)