[fulltimemartins]

I have a major problem with some of my pixs. Someone that was working with my computer and looking at my pixs somehow changed the file type that opened them to a .pvm file and now I can't open them at all. I have tried changing the programs that open them and sometimes it tells me it is empty, but it still shows that there is something in the file...such as 5.3 kb. Can anyone help me or is it a lost cause and my pixs are gone?

Thanks

[Elvandil]

Do you mean that the files have a pvn ending now (file type)? What were they originally?

Do you have Avanquest Design and Print?

[fulltimemartins]

Yes, they now have a .pvm ending (file type) and originally they were jpg files. I don't have the programs you asked about but I have adobe photoshop.

[Elvandil]

Try copying one of the files to your desktop and changing the file ending to jpg. Does it then open OK?

[fulltimemartins]

Same thing happens after I copied it to desktop...says it can't open because it is the wrong type of file.

[Elvandil]

Did you change it to a jpg ending instead of a pvn?

[fulltimemartins]

I did and now it says it could be either damaged or corrupt.

[Elvandil]

That's not a good sign. It's possible that whoever used your machine did some sort of batch conversion. Do the files have an icon? What happens when you click on one of the files?

[fulltimemartins]

I didn't think it was a good sign either. The person that did this just didn't know what he was doing and just tried to look at the pixs, and doesn't really know what he did to cause it since he didn't know much about puters to begin with. When I try tp click on and open it comes up with the message about being damaged or corrupt. The icon is just one that is with windows photo gallery or adobe photoshop. I have a feeling these pixs are a goner huh?

[Elvandil]

If the file sizes look normal, I wouldn't give up yet. The image information may still be contained in the files.

Are you saying that the pvn files also have that icon or just after you change the file ending to jpg?

Try installing IrfanView and also install the plugin package that goes with it. Unless you want IrfanView to open your files, don't choose any of the file types on setup so IrfanView will not be associated with those files.

Open up the program and go to File > Open and try to open one of your pictures. IrfanView is pretty good about scanning files to determine what type they are regardless of the file endings. It may even tell you some useful information about the file type. It's worth a try.