Opening a DNA File

The DNA file type is primarily associated with Desktop Migration Manager.

DNAFile Extension DNA
File extension: DNA
File type:  self-extracting backup file

What is a DNA file?

DNA files mostly belong to Desktop Migration Manager by Broadcom. DNA files are data files generated by a molecular biology program called SnapGene. The SnapGene program is employed for the purpose of analyzing DNA data.

  • Main use: The DNA file stores binary and XML metadata, along with the associated DNA sequence. The DNA files also store additional information required for identification purposes, such as the author's name, description of the file information and its usage, comments and additional written information with regards to the file contents. The DNA files are mainly employed for the purpose of visualizing, studying and documenting DNA sequences.
  • Parent applications: The SnapGene application enables its users to visualize the data pertaining to the DNA sequence in various different viewing formats, for the purpose of performing an analysis on the given DNA sequence. The DNA file's content can be accessed using the GSL Biotech SnapGene, GSL Biotech SnapGene Viewer and Genome Compiler applications, which are available over the Mac and the Windows operating systems.

How to open a DNA file

You need a suitable software like Desktop Migration Manager to open a DNA 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 DNA file correctly, try to right-click or long-press the file. Then click "Open with" and choose an application. You can also display a DNA file directly in the browser:. Just drag the file onto this browser window and drop it.

Online DNA Text Viewer

Choose your .dna file to analyze

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Programs that open and convert DNA files:

  1. Desktop Migration Manager by Broadcom
    See the previous paragraphs to learn more about the main application. DNA files are often referred to as Desktop Migration Manager backups because this type of file is primarily created or used by this software.
  2. BioPerl (DNA sequence file) by Open Bioinformatics Foundation
    BioPerl is a collection of open-source Perl tools for computational molecular biology. BioPerl can work with DNA files, which store DNA sequences. This file format is classified as Data. Related links: BioPerl on Wikipedia, BioPerl Repository, BioPerl FAQs
  3. Blue Martini DNA File
    (eCRM)
  4. Gene Pool (swimbot data) by Wiggle Planet
    Gene Pool is an artificial life simulation in which populations of virtual organisms evolve swimming capabilities over time. These organisms are called swimbots. A DNA file in Gene Pool stores data that describes a swimbot. This file format is classified as Game. Related links: Academic Paper About Gene Pool, Developer's Wikipedia Page
  5. Healing Agent (system DNA file) by Support.com
    Healing Agent is a program from Support.com that performs self-diagnosis and repair in a computer. It uses a patented technology called DNA Probe, which identifies system, registry and software settings. This information is used to resolve problems with the system. DNA is the extension associated with a file that stores this information. This file format is classified as Data. Related links: Interview of the Developers, Document with a Description of DNA Probe Technology, Issue of InfoWorld with Article About Healing Agent, Article Describing Self-Healing Technology
  6. NewMoon Distributed Network Application Information
  7. SnapGene (DNA sequence file) by GSL Biotech
    SnapGene is a program for designing, visualizing, and recording molecular biology procedures. A DNA file in SnapGene is a binary file that stores a DNA sequence. The file also stores XML metadata about the sequence. This file format is classified as Data. Related links: SnapGene User Guide, SnapGene FAQs, File Format Specification for DNA File, SnapGene Tutorial, SnapGene Video Tutorial
  8. SnapGene Viewer (DNA sequence file) by GSL Biotech
    SnapGene Viewer is a molecular biology program for visualizing and searching DNA sequences. The sequences are stored in binary files which have the DNA extension. The files also store XML metadata about the sequence. This file format is classified as Data. Related links: SnapGene Viewer on CNET
  9. Virtual Woman (Digital DNA file) by CyberPunk Software
    Virtual Woman is a simulation game featuring virtual characters that have their own appearance, personality, and history. This information is known as Digital DNA and is stored in a DNA file. This file format is classified as Game. Related links: Virtual Woman on Wikipedia, Information About Digital DNA

DNA file format details:

A file format defines how the data in the file is structured. A file format is determined by the file extension and signature, so JPEG images have the extension .jpg and the first bytes in the file are ÿØÿ. Nonetheless, different programs can utilize the same file extension to represent distinct file formats. Double-clicking on the file often results in an error when opening. So you need a detailed analysis of a file to find out the format and the associated program. Our analysis of the DNA files produces the following result:

The DNA extension is quite commonly used. The file itself mainly uses a special format. The following file formats are most commonly found in DNA files:

All other DNA files (7%) have no uniform format. They are often associated with topo, modified, cherry, mouse, sgrna, plvx, puro or wpre. If you want to find out which format your DNA file belongs to, just click on the button "Choose your .dna file to analyze".

Technical Data for DNA File Extension


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: Virtual Woman
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Virtual Woman Millennium Beta .93\vrwoman.exe %1

ProgramID: GW File Type
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\APPLIE~1\PRIMER~1\PrimerExpress.exe %1

ProgramID: DNA.Document
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\idotz\dnaz.exe


a dna self-extracting backup file is a special file format by Broadcom and should only be edited and saved with the appropriate software.

How to solve problems with DNA files

  • Associate the DNA file extension with the correct application.
  • Update your software that should actually open self-extracting backup files. Because only the current version supports the latest DNA file format. Search, therefore, e.g. on the Broadcom manufacturer website after an available Desktop Migration Manager update.
  • To make sure that your DNA file is not corrupted or virus-infected, get the file again and scan it with Google's virustotal.com.
  • Click here to open your .DNA file online - secure, fast, and no downloads needed.
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