What is MIME type "application/vnd.groove-identity-message"?

A MIME type is a string that tells browsers and other tools how to handle a particular kind of file.

application/vnd.groove-identity-message is a specialized MIME type used in Microsoft’s Groove technology. It handles digital messages that verify a user’s identity.

Files with this MIME type, such as those with the extension GIM, store identity data that keeps collaborative sessions secure.

Collaboration support: It enables secure identity exchanges within networked workgroups.
User verification: It helps confirm that messages come from authenticated users.
Configuration storage: It retains settings and identity details needed for smooth collaboration.

This MIME type ensures that identity messages carry the necessary data to maintain trust across devices. For more on MIME types, check the MDN web docs or the IANA media types registry.

Associated file extensions

.gim

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

When serving content with this MIME type, set the Content-Type header:


    Content-Type: application/vnd.groove-identity-message

HTML

In HTML, you can specify the MIME type in various elements:


    <a href="file.dat" type="application/vnd.groove-identity-message">Download file</a>

Server-side (Node.js)

Setting the Content-Type header in Node.js:


    const http = require('http');    
    
    http.createServer((req, res) => {    
      res.setHeader('Content-Type', 'application/vnd.groove-identity-message');    
      res.end('Content here');    
    }).listen(3000);

Associated file extensions

.gim

FAQs

What is the primary purpose of the application/vnd.groove-identity-message MIME type?

This MIME type is used to transmit digital identity information within the Microsoft Groove (later SharePoint Workspace) ecosystem. It allows users to securely exchange contact details and establish trust relationships for collaborative workspaces, typically via files with the .gim extension.

How do I configure Apache to serve .gim files correctly?

To ensure browsers recognize these files correctly, add the MIME type definition to your .htaccess file or main configuration. Use the directive: AddType application/vnd.groove-identity-message .gim. This prevents the server from delivering them as generic text or binary streams.

Which applications can open files with this MIME type?

Files served as application/vnd.groove-identity-message are designed for Microsoft Office Groove 2007 and Microsoft SharePoint Workspace 2010. Because this technology has been largely superseded by OneDrive for Business and SharePoint Online, modern Office applications may not open these files natively.

Why does my browser download the file instead of opening it?

Web browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge do not have built-in rendering engines for proprietary Groove identity messages. As a result, when the server sends the application/vnd.groove-identity-message header, the browser triggers a download so the user can open the file in a local desktop application.

Are there security risks associated with this MIME type?

While the file itself contains configuration data rather than executable code, you should only import identity messages from trusted sources. Importing a .gim file validates a user's identity in your workspace; accepting a file from an unknown source could compromise the trust chain of your collaborative environment.

What does the 'vnd' prefix indicate in this string?

The vnd prefix stands for vendor-specific. It signals that application/vnd.groove-identity-message is a proprietary format defined by a specific organization (Microsoft) rather than a general standard managed directly by the IETF.

General FAQ

What is a MIME type?

A MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions) type is a standard that indicates the nature and format of a document, file, or assortment of bytes. MIME types are defined and standardized in IETF's RFC 6838.

MIME types are important because they help browsers and servers understand how to process a file. When a browser receives a file from a server, it uses the MIME type to determine how to display or handle the content, whether it's an image to display, a PDF to open in a viewer, or a video to play.

MIME types consist of a type and a subtype, separated by a slash (e.g., text/html, image/jpeg, application/pdf). Some MIME types also include optional parameters.

How do I find the MIME type for a file?

You can check the file extension or use a file identification tool such as file --mime-type on the command line. Many programming languages also provide libraries to detect MIME types.

Why are multiple MIME types listed for one extension?

Different applications and historical conventions may use alternative MIME identifiers for the same kind of file. Showing them all helps ensure compatibility across systems.