Types of EFS Files

Leading EFS Type

.EFS

File Name:	.efs
File Type:	ESRI Spatial Binary File

An EFS file is used by ESRI ArcGIS spatial mapping software and contains a saved binary representation of the shape information in a SHP file.

Developer:	ESRI
File Category:	GIS Files
Key:	HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.efs

Software Programs That Open The ESRI Spatial Binary File:

ESRI ArcGIS for Desktop by ESRI (Environmental Systems Research Institute)

Windows

Secondary EFS Associations

.EFS

File Name:	.efs
File Type:	Ensoniq SQ80 Data

The EFS backup file is linked with the Ensoniq SQ80, a very successful synthesizer that has gained a bunch of loyal followers. The SQ80 is based on the 'Q' chip technology. It is using an eight-voice, multitimbral architecture. The stored waveforms are the basis of its sound and there are a total of 75 multi-sampled sounds and synthetic waveforms available.

Developer:	FMJ-Software
File Category:	Audio Files

Software Programs That Open Ensoniq SQ80 Data Files:

Awave Studio by FMJ-Software

Compatible with:

Windows

.EFS

File Name:	.efs
File Type:	EasyFlow File

The EFS file extension is associated with EasyFlow program. EasyFlow was one of the pioneering software packages for diagramming and flow charting. It is available for personal computers. It is already an obsolete product.

Developer:	HavenTree Software Limited
File Category:	Data Files

Software Programs That Open EasyFlow File Files:

EasyFlow by HavenTree Software Limited

Compatible with:

Windows

.EFS

File Name:	.efs
File Type:	Microsoft Windows Encrypting File System

The EFS is an abbreviation of Encrypted File System that is part of Microsoft Windows operating system. It becomes a part of NTFS (New Technology File System) that gives file system level encryption of data. EFS is already disabled in Windows by default however, the encryption can still be enabled by users on a per-file, per-directory, or per-drive basis.

Developer:	Microsoft Corporation
File Category:	Encrypted Files

Software Programs That Open Microsoft Windows Encrypting File System Files:

Microsoft Windows by Microsoft Corporation

Compatible with:

Windows

Advanced EFS Data Recovery by ElcomSoft

Compatible with:

Windows

.EFS

File Name:	.efs
File Type:	Esignal Formula Script File

The EFS file extension is associated with the eSignal Formula Script. eSignal is a unified trading platform that includes data, tools and functionality.

Developer:	Interactive Data Corporation
File Category:	Data Files

Software Programs That Open Esignal Formula Script File Files:

eSignal by Interactive Data Corporation

Compatible with:

Windows

.EFS

File Name:	.efs
File Type:	Effective File Search File

The EFS backup file is associated with Effective File Search. It is a powerful but user-friendly software created for Microsoft OS that helps users to index and search data on hard drive.

Developer:	Sowoft
File Category:	Data Files

Software Programs That Open Effective File Search File Files:

Effective File Search by Sowoft

Compatible with:

Windows

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EFS Troubleshooting

Common Problems Opening EFS Files

ESRI ArcGIS for Desktop Isn't There

When you double-click your EFS file, you may see a dialog box from your operating system stating that it "Cannot Open This File Type". If so, it typically means that you don't have ESRI ArcGIS for Desktop installed for %%os%%. The OS won't know what to do with your EFS file, so double-clicking to load the file doesn't work.

Tip: When you have another program installed that you know will open your EFS, you can select it from the other programs listed (see "Show Apps").

Obsolete Version of ESRI ArcGIS for Desktop

Occasionally, you might have an outdated version of ESRI ArcGIS for Desktop installed that's incompatible with your ESRI Spatial Binary File type. Download the latest ESRI ArcGIS for Desktop version from the ESRI (Environmental Systems Research Institute) website to ensure you have the correct one installed. Your ESRI Spatial Binary File file was probably created by a newer release of ESRI ArcGIS for Desktop than what's currently installed your computer.

Tip: If you right-click on your EFS file, then select "Properties" (Windows) or "Get Info" (Mac), you can obtain hints about what version you need.

Regardless, most of the EFS file opening problems relate to not having the right version of ESRI ArcGIS for Desktop installed.

Other EFS File Opening Causes

In the majority of cases, installing the right version of ESRI ArcGIS for Desktop will resolve your issue. There can be other issues - unrelated to software - preventing you from opening EFS files. Additional factors include:

• File references in the Windows Registry for EFS are wrong
• Accidental deletion of the description of the EFS file in the Windows registry
• ESRI ArcGIS for Desktop or another EFS application experienced a flawed installation
• Something has caused file corruption of your EFS
• Malware-tainted EFS file can't be opened
• Device drivers of the hardware associated with your EFS file are corrupt or out-of-date
• Your computer does not have the adequate system resources to open the ESRI Spatial Binary File format