When downloading files using BitTorrent, you may have noticed certain files with the .!bt extension. These files represent incomplete downloads and are a crucial part of how BitTorrent manages file transfers. In this article, we’ll explore what .!bt files are, why they exist, and how they function in the torrent downloading process.
What Is a .!BT File?
A .!bt file is a temporary file created by BitTorrent while a download is in progress. It indicates that the file has not yet been fully downloaded. Once the download is complete, BitTorrent removes the .!bt extension, leaving the file in its original format.
How .!BT Files Work
1. Temporary File Usage
BitTorrent appends .!bt to incomplete files to distinguish them from fully downloaded files. This ensures that users don’t accidentally open or use a file before it is fully available.
2. Automatic Removal
Once the file download finishes, BitTorrent automatically renames the file by removing the .!bt extension. This makes the file ready for use.
3. Windows-Exclusive Feature
Notably, .!bt files are only used in the Windows version of BitTorrent. If you’re using BitTorrent on macOS or Linux, you won’t see this extension.
Can You Disable .!BT Files?
Yes, BitTorrent allows users to disable the .!bt file extension for incomplete downloads. To do this:
- Open BitTorrent.
- Go to Preferences.
- Navigate to Downloads.
- Uncheck the option “Append .!bt to incomplete files”.
Disabling this feature means that partially downloaded files won’t have the .!bt extension, but this can make it harder to distinguish between completed and incomplete files.
Dealing With .!BT Files
1. If a .!BT File Won’t Convert to the Original Format
If a .!bt file remains after a download has supposedly finished, try the following:
- Restart BitTorrent and check if the download resumes.
- Verify that the file is not paused.
- Manually rename the file by removing
.!bt(only if you’re sure the download was complete).
2. Deleting Unwanted .!BT Files
Since these are temporary files, you can safely delete them if the download is no longer needed. However, if a .!bt file is still active, deleting it will remove the progress made in the download.
Conclusion
The .!bt extension is a simple but useful feature in BitTorrent that helps users manage their downloads effectively. It prevents accidental usage of incomplete files and ensures a smoother downloading experience. While you can disable it, keeping it enabled can be beneficial, especially for managing large file downloads.