BleepingComputer.com: Can't Open Bmp File.

Heres the deal. I'm having trouble opening certain (.bmp) files. But this doesn't happen with all pictures, only some. I have tried opening them with multiple programs and always get the same type of error.

GIMP : "Windows BMP image plug-In could not open image"'

MS Paint : "This is not a valid bitmap file or is format is not currently supported"

IrfanView : "Can't read file header ! Unknown file format or file not found !"

PictureViewer : "Couldn't display... because a suitable graphics importer could not be found"

Okay, so thats bout the gist of it. I've tried the Microsoft fix and renaming them but that doesn't seem to do anything? Also tried scanning to find the correct extensions and still no luck. Don't seem to be corrupt since they still work in-game. (Did I mention these are char skins in an MMO? ok now I did )

Seems as though some of the alphas will open too but not others?

Ideas anyone??? Thanks in advance!

what game are they for? You don't have to tell us, but it might help. It might be that the game calls it a .bmp, but uses it specially for itself, like so only it can open it, to help with tampering on their files.

It's only bmp files in the game directory? Sounds like a proprietary format renamed to bmp extension. If your game has a support forum your best bet is to check there.