What is MIME type "application/x-dosexec"?

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

application/x-dosexec marks files that contain executable binary code for DOS/Windows systems.
It tells the operating system that the file is a program meant to run, not just data.
These files carry instructions directly for execution. They are used when launching software or running system routines.
Common file types include the traditional EXE programs, dynamic link libraries like DLL, and simple command files such as COM.

Direct execution: The file runs code that the operating system executes immediately.
Dynamic functionality: It supports libraries that provide shared functions across programs.
Legacy support: It is often used for older software that still runs on modern systems via backward compatibility.

This MIME type helps systems and applications decide how to handle these binary executables securely and correctly. For more on file types, visit Filext.

Associated file extensions

.exe, .dll, .com

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: application/x-dosexec

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.exe, .dll, .com

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.