Windows
Compatible applications
Quick Facts
Basic information about this file format
Extension
.GHO
File Type
Norton Ghost Image File
Category
Archive
Best first step
Use compatible software
Quick Summary
A practical overview of the .gho file format
A GHO file is a disk image file created by Symantec Norton Ghost, a legacy disk cloning and backup utility. It contains an exact, sector-by-sector copy of a hard drive, partition, or specific files and folders. This format was primarily used for system deployment, disaster recovery, and data migrat…
File extension
.GHO
File type
Norton Ghost Image File
Category
Archive
Recommended action
Open with a trusted compatible app
How to open a .gho file
Start with a trusted app that supports this format
- Check the file extension carefully and confirm that the file name really ends with .gho.
- Use software that supports this file type. If one app does not work, try another compatible program for the same platform.
- Update the application if the file was created by a newer version of the software.
- Scan files from unknown sources before opening them, especially documents, archives, scripts, installers, and executable files.
What is a .gho file?
File extension details and usage information
A GHO file is a disk image file created by Symantec Norton Ghost, a legacy disk cloning and backup utility. It contains an exact, sector-by-sector copy of a hard drive, partition, or specific files and folders. This format was primarily used for system deployment, disaster recovery, and data migration, allowing users to restore an entire operating system, including configurations and applications, to a new drive or after a catastrophic system failure. GHO files can be compressed to save storage space and can be split into multiple segments, typically using the .GHS extension for subsequent parts of the image. While Norton Ghost has been discontinued for the consumer market, the GHO format remains a significant legacy standard in IT environments for imaging older systems. The format supports features like password protection and encryption to secure the sensitive data contained within the image. It is distinct from the ISO format as it captures the specific file system structure and boot information of a physical disk rather than just optical media content.
Software Compatibility
Programs that may open or work with .gho files
macOS
Compatible applications
Linux
Compatible applications
Mobile
Mobile applications
Can .gho files be converted?
Options for saving or exporting this file to another format
In many cases, a .gho file can be converted by opening it in compatible software and using an option such as Save As, Export, or Convert. The available output formats depend on the file type and the application used.
- Use the original software that created the file when possible.
- Check whether the application supports exporting to common formats.
- Be careful with online converters when working with private, business, or sensitive files.
- If conversion fails, the file may be corrupted, incomplete, encrypted, or not actually a .gho file.
Why can't I open a .gho file?
Common reasons this file type may not open correctly
Wrong software
The file may require a specific program that supports the .gho format.
Incorrect extension
The file extension may have been renamed manually, even though the actual file format is different.
Corrupted file
The file may be incomplete, damaged during download, or transferred incorrectly.
Outdated app
Your software may need to be updated before it can open newer versions of this file format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about .gho files
To open a .gho file, use software that supports this file format.
- Symantec Ghost Solution Suite
- Ghost Explorer
- Norton Ghost
- None
- Ghost for Linux (g4l)
Open the file in compatible software and look for options such as Save As, Export, or Convert. If no export option is available, the file may require a specialized converter or the original application that created it.
- Verify that the file extension is correct.
- Install or update compatible software.
- Try another application that supports this format.
- Check whether the file is corrupted, incomplete, or encrypted.
A file extension alone does not guarantee whether a file is safe or unsafe. Only open files from trusted sources, scan unknown files before opening them, and be especially careful with executable, script, archive, and document files.
File safety tips
Use caution with unknown files
Only open files from trusted sources. Before opening a .gho file, scan it with antivirus software, verify that the file extension is expected, and avoid running unknown executable, installer, macro-enabled document, or script files.