323

.323 — Microsoft NetMeeting / Internet Locator Service File

Microsoft · 1996

Developer
Microsoft
Category
System Files
MIME Type
application/x-323
First Released
1996
Open Format
No
File Signature
N/A (plain text file)
At a Glance
.323
Microsoft NetMeeting / Internet Locator Service File

A .323 file is a configuration file used by Microsoft NetMeeting for managing calls and network settings, not a media file itself.

Reviewed on May 8, 2026
Compression
Plain text
Transparency
Yes
Editability
High
Best for
Configuration

Key Features

  • Plain text configuration for easy editing.
  • Stores network and user settings for NetMeeting.
  • Related to early VoIP and video conferencing.
  • Not a media container, but operational data.

Best For

  • Configuration of legacy NetMeeting clients.
  • Simple, human-readable network settings.
  • Understanding early internet communication protocols.

Less Ideal For

  • Storing audio or video data.
  • Modern video conferencing needs.
  • Sharing multimedia content.
  • Any application outside of Microsoft NetMeeting.

Common Use Cases

  • Storing NetMeeting call settings.
  • Configuring network parameters for audio/video calls.
  • Used by Internet Locator Services for directory listings.
  • Diagnosing connection issues with NetMeeting.

How to Open It

  1. Open with any plain text editor like Notepad (Windows), TextEdit (macOS), or Gedit (Linux).
  2. If associated with a specific legacy application, that application might attempt to open it.
  3. Examine the contents to understand NetMeeting configuration parameters.

What is a .323 file?

A .323 file is essentially a text-based configuration file used by older versions of Microsoft NetMeeting. It stores information related to network settings, directory services, and user preferences for establishing and managing audio and video calls. These files are not media files themselves but rather instructions or data that NetMeeting used to operate. While NetMeeting is long discontinued, understanding .323 files helps in recognizing remnants of early VoIP and video conferencing technology. They are typically human-readable and can be opened with a simple text editor.

Programs That Open .323 Files

PlatformProgram
WindowsNotepadFreeOfficial
macOSTextEditFreeOfficial
LinuxGeditFree

Common Problems with .323 Files

⚠️ Cannot open .323 file with modern software.
These files are configuration data, not media. Open with a text editor to view their contents; they are not meant to be opened directly for playback or editing by typical media players.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a .323 file an audio or video file?▼

No, a .323 file is a configuration file used by the old Microsoft NetMeeting software. It contains settings for calls, not the media itself.

Technical Details

These files are structured as plain text, allowing users to read and edit them with standard text editors. They contain key-value pairs that define parameters for NetMeeting's operation, including server addresses and user IDs. The .323 extension was associated with the Internet Locator Service (ILS) used by NetMeeting for call setup and directory lookups.

Did You Know?

The .323 extension is tied to a time when internet conferencing was a nascent technology.
Many of these files still exist on older systems or backup archives, often as digital fossils of early online communication.

Security Information

As plain text configuration files, .323 files themselves are generally not a security risk. However, if you encounter one from an untrusted source, be cautious about its contents, as it might contain network addresses or other information that could be used in phishing or social engineering attempts.