CXARCHIVE File – What is .cxarchive file and how to open it?

Definition and Purpose:

A CXARCHIVE file, also known as a CrossOver Bottle Archive, is a compressed archive file format used by CodeWeavers for packaging wine-based applications and their associated runtime environment. It encapsulates all the necessary files, including the Windows EXE binary, DLLs, fonts, settings, and other dependencies into a single portable and self-contained package. This allows CrossOver, an environment for running Windows applications on non-Windows platforms, to seamlessly install and execute these applications in a Linux or macOS host system.

Structure and Features:

CXARCHIVE files are typically created after installing a Windows application through CrossOver. They employ the CPIO (Copy In, Copy Out) archive format as their internal structure, which organizes files into a hierarchical directory tree. Each file within the archive is compressed using the GZIP algorithm, resulting in a reduced file size. Additionally, CXARCHIVE files support digital signatures for verifying their authenticity and ensuring their integrity during distribution and installation.

Opening CXARCHIVE Files

CXARCHIVE files, also known as CrossOver Bottle Archives, are compressed archives containing a virtual Linux environment. They are used by CodeWeavers’ CrossOver software to run Windows applications on macOS and Linux systems. To open a CXARCHIVE file, you will need a program that supports this file format.

CrossOver is the primary software used to open CXARCHIVE files. It is a commercial software that allows you to run Windows applications on Linux and macOS. Once you have installed CrossOver, you can open a CXARCHIVE file by double-clicking on it. CrossOver will automatically mount the file as a virtual disk and allow you to access the files and programs inside.

CXARCHIVE File Format

The CXARCHIVE format is a proprietary archive file format used primarily for packaging and distributing Windows applications on non-Windows operating systems, such as macOS and Linux. Developed by CodeWeavers, the CXARCHIVE format is utilized by their CrossOver software, which allows users to run Windows applications on non-native platforms.

CXARCHIVE files combine multiple files and resources into a single compressed package, ensuring easy distribution and accessibility. The format encapsulates the application’s executable files, libraries, registry settings, and other necessary components. By storing these elements in a single archive, CrossOver can recreate the Windows environment and run the application seamlessly, regardless of the underlying operating system.

Additionally, CXARCHIVE files provide a level of compatibility and isolation, making it possible to run Windows applications alongside native applications without conflicts or interference. CrossOver maintains a database of known applications, and for each application, it creates a dedicated “bottle,” which is a self-contained environment that includes the CXARCHIVE file and the necessary runtime components. This approach allows users to install and run multiple Windows applications simultaneously, isolated from each other and from the host system.

Other Extensions