How to open com file
In the past 10 days, among the hot topics on the Internet about file formats and operations,COM fileThe opening method has become the focus of many users. COM files are an executable file format that was common in early DOS systems but may still be encountered in modern operating systems. This article will introduce in detail how to open COM files, and attach relevant tools and precautions.
1. What is a COM file?

COM files are executable files in the DOS era. They are usually small in size (no more than 64KB) and are directly loaded into memory for operation. Unlike EXE files, COM files do not have complex header structures, so they have strong compatibility, but modern systems may not be able to run them directly.
| Properties | Description |
|---|---|
| file extension | .com |
| Typical uses | DOS command line program |
| maximum size | 64KB |
| Modern compatibility | Requires emulator or virtual machine |
2. How to open COM files?
Here are several common ways to open COM files:
| method | Operation steps | Applicable system |
|---|---|---|
| DOS emulator | 1. Install DOSBox 2. Mount the COM file directory 3. Enter the file name to run | Windows/macOS/Linux |
| virtual machine | 1. Install DOS virtual machine 2. Import the COM file into the virtual machine 3. Execute in DOS | Windows/macOS |
| Hex editor | 1. Open with Hex editor 2. View binary content | All systems |
3. Precautions
1.security: COM files may contain malicious code and are recommended to be run in a virtual machine.
2.Compatibility: Modern 64-bit systems cannot run 16-bit COM programs directly.
3.alternative: Some COM files can be converted to EXE format for operation.
4. Recommended popular tools
| Tool name | Function | Download address |
|---|---|---|
| DOSBox | DOS emulator | dosbox.com |
| HxD | Hex editor | mh-nexus.de/hxd |
| VirtualBox | Virtual machine software | virtualbox.org |
5. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is there no response when double-clicking a COM file?
A: Modern Windows systems do not support running COM files directly by default and require the use of an emulator.
Q: Can COM files be decompiled?
A: Yes, but you need to use a special DOS decompilation tool such as IDA Pro.
Q: How to determine whether a COM file is safe?
A: It is recommended to scan with anti-virus software first, or run it in an isolated environment.
With the above method, you should be able to successfully open and run COM files. For further help, you can refer to the official documentation of tools such as DOSBox.
check the details
check the details