TDMS File Extension

What is TDMS file?

Files with the extension TDMS belong to the category of measurement data files.

What do TDMS files contain?

Files with the TDMS extension contain data collected during analyses performed with programming platforms such as LabVIEW. They enable the construction of systems in which virtual measuring devices are placed. Their readings are saved to files with the TDMS extension. In addition to measurement results, TDMS files also include details of the research procedure, data of virtual instruments, and the author's name of the file.

What are TDMS files used for?

Files with the TDMS extension utilize a recording format named National Instruments (NI) Technical Data Management Streaming, which also supports many other research and measurement platforms. This means that the content of TDMS files can be conveniently read in various applications, without the need for conversion to other standards. When creating files with the TDMS extension, dedicated software also generates TDMS_INDEX resources, which facilitate faster loading of target TDMS files, especially when they contain very large amounts of data.

Programs which support TDMS file extension

Programs that can handle TDMS files are as follows. Files with TDMS suffix can be copied to any mobile device or system platform, but it may not be possible to open them properly on target system.

Updated: 03/10/2024

How to open file with TDMS extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening TDMS files on given system. What is important, all common issues related to files with TDMS extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with TDMS files.

Step 1. Get the LabVIEW

Problems with opening and working with TDMS files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with TDMS files being present on your machine. The solution is straightforward, just download and install LabVIEW. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. The safest method of downloading LabVIEW installed is by going to developer’s website (National Instruments Corporation) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Update LabVIEW to the latest version

If you already have LabVIEW installed on your systems and TDMS files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. This can be one of the causes why TDMS files are not compatible with LabVIEW. The most recent version of LabVIEW is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Set the default application to open TDMS files to LabVIEW

After installing LabVIEW (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open TDMS files. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

The procedure to change the default program in Windows

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

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected TDMS file open the file menu and choose Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• 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 TDMS extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Ensure that the TDMS file is complete and free of errors

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

1. Verify that the TDMS in question is not infected with a computer virus

Should it happed that the TDMS is infected with a virus, this may be that cause that prevents you from accessing it. It is advised to scan the system for viruses and malware as soon as possible or use an online antivirus scanner. TDMS file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

If the TDMS 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. If the TDMS file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

3. Check if the user that you are logged as has administrative privileges.

Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the LabVIEW TDMS file again.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run LabVIEW

If the systems has insufficient resources to open TDMS 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 LabVIEW TDMS file. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle TDMS files.

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