File Extension Database

Open VMEM File

A file that bears the VMEM extension is an auxiliary file that has been created by VMware software. This software is used to operate multiple operating systems, simultaneously, on a single computer. This course of action is known as virtualization. The VMEM file contains a backup of the virtual machine's paging file cap. In other words, it behaves like a safety net that the computer's RAM uses when there isn't enough actual RAM to hold all of the data it's processing. Consequently, it's noteworthy to understand how to open and use these VMEM files. This article will guide you through several possible formats, along with ways to open/use them.

VMem Files Related to VMWare

VMEM files created by VMware software are temporary files which automatically stored on the host computer's hard drive. These files assist in safe recovery in case there's sudden power loss or the virtual machine crashes. Given the short-term purpose of the VMEM files, the VMware software automatically deletes the files once you close your VM.

Opening VMEM Files

Generally, VMware's VMEM files are meant for internal use by the VMware software and are not typically accessed by the user. However, in cases where you need to open a .vmem file, you need specific tools developed for this purpose. A free tool provided by VMware known as VMware Workstation can be used to open VMEM files.

ValueMem Files and How to Use Them

VMEM can also stand for ValueMem files, but this type is quite rare and a bit dated. In cases where you come across such files, software such as Value Memory and SRecord can be utilized to interpret and use those files. SRecord is available on the sourceforge site.

VMEM: Use in Digital Forensics

The VMEM file extension also has significant use in digital forensics. These files can provide valuable clues in a digital investigation. Tools like Volatility Framework is often used to analyze VMEM files.

VMEM File Important Information

Remember that VMEM files used in VMware software are temporary files for safe recovery and are usually inaccessible for manual user operations. However, when needed, tools like VMware Workstation, Volatility Framework can be employed. Dealing with ValueMem files, one might use SRecord. Although VMEM files are typically used by their native software, it's worth understanding what they are and how they work to increase efficiency and safety in your virtual environment.

How Can I Open VMEM File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open VMEM file is to find a VMEM file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a VMEM file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open VMEM file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as VMEM file opener then try to search online for "VMEM viewer", "application to open VMEM file" or "open VMEM file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open VMEM file

How Can I Open VMEM File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a VMEM file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a VMEM file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with VMEM file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as VMEM file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open VMEM file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open VMEM file then try to search for "VMEM viewer", "application to open VMEM file" or "read VMEM file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read VMEM file

How Can I Open VMEM File on Android

If you downloaded a VMEM file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded VMEM file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "VMEM".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "VMEM viewer", "VMEM file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open VMEM File on iPhone or iPad

To open VMEM File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the VMEM file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "VMEM". This way you can find apps which can open VMEM files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "VMEM viewer" or "VMEM file" online in your favorite search engine.

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