MIME File Extension

What is MIME file?

A .MIME file is extended as Multi-Purpose Internet Mail Extension, and is used to encode the e-mail messages containing 8-bit data or the character set other than the Standard US ASCII character set. The MIME file allows the applications and the users to exchange emails with rich content. The encoded MIME file can be decoded using any of the decompression utility if the MIME file cannot be recognized by the e-mail program. 

Programs which support MIME file extension

Files with MIME extension, just like any other file formats, can be found on any operating system. The files in question may be transferred to other devices, be it mobile or stationary, yet not all systems may be capable of properly handling such files.

Updated: 04/03/2020

How to open file with MIME extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening MIME files on given system. Fortunately, most common problems with MIME files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with MIME files.

Step 1. Install WinZip software

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening MIME files is that no program that can handle MIME files is installed on user’s system. This one is an easy one. Select WinZip or one of the recommended programs (for example, Mozilla Thunderbird, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Outlook Express) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. If you want to download WinZip installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit WinZip Computing, S.L. website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of WinZip

If you already have WinZip installed on your systems and MIME files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. The reason that WinZip cannot handle files with MIME may be that the software is outdated. The latest version of WinZip should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Assign WinZip to MIME files

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate MIME files with latest version of WinZip you have installed on your device. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

Change the default application in Windows

• Right-click the MIME file and choose Open with option
• Next, select the Choose another app option and then using More apps open the list of available applications
• Finally select Look for another app on this PC, point to the folder where WinZip is installed, check the Always use this app to open MIME files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

Change the default application in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with MIME extension, select Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• From the list choose the appropriate program and confirm by clicking Change for all....
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with MIME extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Check the MIME for errors

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the MIME file is valid. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

1. Check the MIME file for viruses or malware

Should it happed that the MIME is infected with a virus, this may be that cause that prevents you from accessing it. Scan the MIME file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the MIME file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Verify that the MIME file’s structure is intact

If the MIME file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. It is possible that the file has not been properly copied to a data storage and is incomplete and therefore cannot be opened. When downloading the file with MIME extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

3. Ensure that you have appropriate access rights

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the Multi-Purpose Internet Mail Extension file again.

4. Check whether your system can handle WinZip

If the systems has insufficient resources to open MIME files, try closing all currently running applications and try again.

5. Check if you have the latest updates to the operating system and drivers

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with Multi-Purpose Internet Mail Extension file. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle MIME files.

Do you want to help?

If you have additional information about the MIME file, we will be grateful if you share it with our users. To do this, use the form here and send us your information on MIME file.