What is MIME type "application/x-avm-export"?

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

The MIME type application/x-avm-export is used to store a backup of FRITZ!Box router settings. It encapsulates a snapshot of device configuration data in a proprietary format.

When a FRITZ!Box is configured, users can export their settings into a backup file. This file, linked here as EXPORT, holds all network parameters, call settings, and custom parameters needed to reapply the configuration if the device is reset or updated.

Key use cases include:

Backup: Save router configuration for later recovery.
Restoration: Reapply saved settings after changes or resets.
Diagnostics: Troubleshoot configuration issues by reverting to a known state.

The file is specific to FRITZ!Box devices and is not a general-purpose backup file. It ensures that advanced settings are preserved and can be restored quickly, helping maintain network stability and performance.

For more details on file formats and technical insights, consider checking resources like AVM.

Associated file extensions

.export

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: application/x-avm-export

HTML

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


    <a href="file.dat" type="application/x-avm-export">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/x-avm-export');    
      res.end('Content here');    
    }).listen(3000);

Associated file extensions

.export

FAQs

How do I open or view an application/x-avm-export file?

You usually do not open these files directly on your computer; they are designed to be imported back into a FRITZ!Box router via its web interface. However, since the file format is text-based, you can view the contents using a text editor like Notepad++, though you should avoid saving changes to prevent checksum errors. For more on the extension, see export.

Can I transfer my .export file to a different FRITZ!Box model?

Yes, the FRITZ!OS software generally allows you to transfer selected settings to a different FRITZ!Box model. When importing the file via the System > Backup > Restore menu, the router will often ask which settings to apply, as hardware-specific configurations (like specific telephony ports) might not match the new device.

Is it safe to share my FRITZ!Box export file?

No, the application/x-avm-export file contains sensitive data, including Wi-Fi passwords, ISP credentials, and VoIP settings. It is highly recommended to set a password when generating the export to encrypt this sensitive information, ensuring it cannot be read if the file falls into the wrong hands.

Why does the router reject my modified .export file?

FRITZ!Box configuration files contain a security checksum at the beginning of the file. If you manually edit the file with a text editor to change settings, the checksum becomes invalid, and the router will reject the import. You must use specialized tools to recalculate the checksum if you intend to modify the file manually.

How do I configure my web server to serve .export files correctly?

If you are hosting these files for download, you should configure your server to send the correct MIME type. In Apache, add AddType application/x-avm-export .export to your configuration or .htaccess file. In Nginx, add application/x-avm-export export; to your mime.types file.

What should I do if I forgot the password for my backup file?

If you protected your application/x-avm-export file with a password and have lost it, the file cannot be restored. The encryption is designed to prevent unauthorized access, so you will need to rely on an older backup or manually reconfigure your router if a reset is required.

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.