Sources of BIL Problems
Issues Opening BIL Files
ESRI ArcGIS for Desktop Disappeared
You attempt to load your BIL file and get an error such as "%%os%% Can't Open The BIL File Extension". When this happens, it is commonly due to ESRI ArcGIS for Desktop missing in %%os%%. Because your operating system doesn't know what to do with this file, you won't be able to open it by double-clicking.
Tip: Another BIL-related program can be selected to open the file by clicking "Show Apps" and finding the application.
Incorrect ESRI ArcGIS for Desktop Version
Occasionally, you might have an outdated version of ESRI ArcGIS for Desktop installed that's incompatible with your ESRI BIL File type. Installing the latest version of ESRI ArcGIS for Desktop from ESRI (Environmental Systems Research Institute) is recommended. This issue mainly occurs when your ESRI BIL File file was created by a newer version of ESRI ArcGIS for Desktop than you have on your PC.
Tip: You can sometimes get hints about the right program version by right-clicking on the BIL file, selecting "Properties", and looking at the version information.
Conclusion: The majority of BIL file opening issues are due to not having the correct ESRI ArcGIS for Desktop version installed.
Additional BIL Opening Issues
Assuming you have the right ESRI ArcGIS for Desktop version installed, other problems can prevent you from opening BIL files. Other BIL opening errors can be created by other system problems inside of %%os%%. These other problems include (listed in order from most to least common):
- BIL file type Registry entries are wrong
- Mistaken removal of the Windows registry BIL description
- Corrupt install of ESRI ArcGIS for Desktop or other BIL-related program
- File corruption affecting your BIL file
- Your BIL has adversely impacted by malware
- Device drivers of the hardware associated with your BIL file are corrupt or out-of-date
- Insufficient system resources to successfully open ESRI BIL File files
Quiz: Which operating system pioneered hierarchical file system (eg. file folders)?
That's Correct!
Multics was the first OS to support hierarchies of directories (eg. "Home" -> "Documents" -> "Work"). Nearly every modern operating system was heavily influenced by Multics.
Close, but not quite...
Multics was the first OS to support hierarchies of directories (eg. "Home" -> "Documents" -> "Work"). Nearly every modern operating system was heavily influenced by Multics.