Last updated: April 25, 2024
Some files are not created to be interpreted with the naked eye by humans. By managing to open them, you will only obtain a succession of number or code without a priori without tail or head. This is exactly the case for files ending with the.bin extension.
bin, like binary, a simple succession of 0 and 1. But then, what is the point for us to open them?
What are bin files used for?
Bin files are generally used to contain compressed binary code, applications or programs. You have surely already encountered this type of file after downloading software and wanting to install it.
We also find them in the system of our computers. The .bin files allow various applications of the operating system to be operated.
In other words, trying to modify them without a deep knowledge of them could have serious consequences on your device.
The good news is, you don't run the risk of accidentally opening and editing them.
How to open bin files?
As explained previously, we often find .bin files when we download software, or even games. This format is very similar to the.ISO used on installation discs for these same software and games.
To put it simply, you just need to trick your computer into believing that the .bin file you are trying to open is on a disk. Here is the method:
Create a .cue file
To be read, your file . Bin must always be accompanied by a file . Cue with the exact same name. If not, you will just have to:
- Open the folder that contains your .bin file.
- Create a text document containing the following text, correctly inserting the name of the .bin file:
FILE “BINFILENAME.bin” BINARY – TRACK 01 MODE1/2352 – INDEX 01 00:00:00
- Rename the text document the same as your file bin, by adding the extension . Cue end
Use a virtual drive to open the bin file
One solution to open would be to burn the .bin and .cue files to a CD or DVD, then play it from your computer. This solution is now totally obsolete.
There are many software programs that allow you to simulate a disk drive, in a perfectly virtual way. This is the case for example of daemon Tools, ISO Buster, Poweriso.
Be careful, however, if you choose to use free software. They have the annoying tendency to want to install all kinds of extensions on your computer. Just be sure to uncheck the boxes that are not needed.