Opening a DIR File

The DIR file type is primarily associated with Windows.

DIR	File extension: DIR
	File type:	directory indicator

What is a DIR file?

DIR files mostly belong to Windows by Microsoft. DIR files on Windows operating systems are zero-byte, hidden files generated by the setup of Microsoft programs. Such DIR files are named mscreate.dir and they are saved in every directory created by a program's setup during installation. A DIR file is used to determine if a directory is empty or whether it can be removed in maintenance mode. DIR is also a filename extension of INFO database files used by the directory manager in ArcGIS. Backup Exec, a system backup program saves CPS (Continuous Backup Protection) data in a DIR file. SharePoint Server 2007, a document management and storage platform developed used DIR files to save temporary data during backups. The base name of temporary DIR files are usually numbers. Video games such as Grand Theft Auto III (a racing/shooter video game) and Worms Armageddon save game data such as models, images, music, and maps in a DIR archive file.

How to open a DIR file

You need a suitable software like Windows to open a DIR file. Without proper software you will receive a Windows message "How do you want to open this file?" or "Windows cannot open this file" or a similar Mac/iPhone/Android alert. If you cannot open your DIR file correctly, try to right-click or long-press the file. Then click "Open with" and choose an application. You can also display a DIR file directly in the browser:. Just drag the file onto this browser window and drop it.

Online DIR Text Viewer

Choose your .dir file to analyze

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Programs that open and convert DIR files:

Windows by Microsoft
See the previous paragraphs to learn more about the main application. DIR files are often referred to as Windows systems because this type of file is primarily created or used by this software.
ArcGIS (INFO Directory Manager data) by ESRI
ArcGIS is a suite of geographic information collection, analysis, and visualization software for Windows platforms. The program's INFO Directory Manager file has DIR filename extension. This file format is classified as Data.
Backup Exec (CPS backup data) by Veritas
Backup Exec is a data protection, backup/recovery solution. The program can be integrated into several cloud hosting platforms as a CPS (Continuous Protection Server). Backup data created with the CPS solution provided by Backup Exec is stored in DIR files. This file format is classified as Backup.
CPS Backup (directory) by DEC
CPS Backup was an instruction set architecture used for data processing on VAX, a line of 32-bit computers developed in the mid-1970s. The program stored some data in DIR files. This file format is classified as System.
Db2 (database directory index) by IBM
Db2 is an AI-powered relational database management system with expert-level tools for data analysis and automation. The New Database Manager (NDBM) (formerly DBM) subroutines of Db2 uses DIR file extension to save the index of database directory (PAG) files. This file format is classified as Database. Related links: New Database Manager
Director (movie) by Adobe
Director is a discontinued multimedia creation and editing software previously used to edit and publish Shockwave movies, games, and other interactive content. Director saves Shockwave movies as DIR files. This file format is classified as Video.
Grand Theft Auto III (game archive) by Rockstar
Grand Theft Auto III is a single-player, third-person action-adventure game for desktop, mobile, and console platforms. The DIR file in Grand Theft Auto III contains game data such as sounds, maps, models etc. This file format is classified as Game.
Procomm Plus (dialing directory) by NortonLifeLock
Procomm Plus was a terminal emulation an file transfer software with support for over 30 terminals which provide access to a host system. The program was compatible with Windows 95, 98, and NT operating systems. Its dialing directory was stored as a DIR file. This file format is classified as Data.
WebSTAR (directory indexer plugin) by Kerio
WebSTAR is a CGI-supported web server originally released in the 90s. The program could be integrated into other programs to create server-side, database-driven web applications. WebSTAR's directory indexer plugin file had a DIR filename extension. This program was discontinued by the developer. This file format is classified as Plugin.
Worms Armageddon (game archive) by Team 17
Worms Armageddon is a turn-based, two-dimensional video game available for desktop, handheld, and console devices. The game's models, sounds, music, etc. are stored in a DIR file as an archive. This file format is classified as Game.

DIR file format:

To view or edit DIR files you need to know the file format, because it determines how the data in this file is stored. The file format can be deduced from the file extension and the signature. However, different programs can use the same file extension. Furthermore, a file extension can be renamed incorrectly and double-clicking on it will then display an error when it is opened. When there is a problem with a file, the first step to solving it is to determine the file format. Below you will find our evaluation of the DIR files:

The file type with the extension 'DIR' is used by a few programs, each with its own file format. The two most popular formats are as follows:

25% of all DIR files are associated with Macromedia Director project. These are binary files, so they do not contain words or text. The files are often between 63 KB and 15 MB in size. The file type was used 20 years ago but is still in use today. The files contain the following words: 39VMpami, XFIR, eerf, pamm and *YEK. Some examples of file names are file20180601.dir. These files are attributed to opened, output and lesson.
8% of all DIR files are using the well-known RIFX file format to store the data. The RIFX format is an eXtended RIFF format. RIFF files store data in tagged chunks. There are primarily used to store multimedia such as sound and video. These files contain neither text nor words, but only data. DIR files are between 41 KB and 4 MB in size. The files contain the following words: RIFX, imap, mmap, MV93imap, VWCF and CAS*.

The remaining 67% of all DIR files are different files with different signatures, frequently e.g. CP Backup Directory, ZIP and DIR. These files are often connected to cuts, data, fonts or flist. You can get all the details of your DIR file by dragging it onto this page or by clicking the button "Choose your .dir file to analyze" above.

Technical Data for DIR File Extension

File classification:

System

Related files:

folder, dirfile, pag, qb1, img, afs, i10, dxr, dicomdir, exe, cst, dat, twf, gxt, inx, swf, zip, nfo, bak, mp3, log, appxbundle, clg

Mime type:

application/x-director, application/octet-stream

The following listing is compiled from the database produced by the 'Associate This!' program, selected data from the main FILExt database and file extension information submitted by users.

ProgramID: Director.Movie.5, FileType: Macromedia Director Movie

ProgramID: CodeWarrior_dir
EXEFile: E:\CodeWarrior\bin\IDE.EXE %1

ProgramID: Director.Movie
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Macromedia\Director MX 2004\Director.exe %1

ProgramID: Director.Movie
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Macromedia\Director 8.5 Trial\Director.exe %1

ProgramID: Director.Movie
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Adobe\Director MX 2004\Director.exe

ProgramID: Director.Movie
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Macromedia\Director MX\Director.exe

ProgramID: Director.Movie
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Macromedia\Director 8\Director.exe

Show all 7 listings To Top

a dir directory indicator is a special file format by Microsoft and should only be edited and saved with the appropriate software.

How to solve problems with DIR files

Associate the DIR file extension with the correct application.
Update your software that should actually open directory indicators. Because only the current version supports the latest DIR file format. Search, therefore, e.g. on the Microsoft manufacturer website after an available Windows update.
To make sure that your DIR file is not corrupted or virus-infected, get the file again and scan it with Google's virustotal.com.
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