What is MIME type "application/x-tika-msworks-spreadsheet"?

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

application/x-tika-msworks-spreadsheet identifies a legacy spreadsheet file type from Microsoft Works. It tells applications how to process data stored in these files.

This MIME type is mainly used in file conversion and data extraction tools. It ensures that older spreadsheets are read correctly even when modern software primarily uses other formats.
Files with this MIME type often come from systems that used Microsoft Works. The associated file usually appears as XLR.

Main use: Detecting and processing legacy Microsoft Works spreadsheet files.
Data conversion: Allowing conversion of older spreadsheets to current formats like those used by modern spreadsheet applications.
Legacy support: Ensuring historical data can be accessed and reused on current PCs.
Error handling: Helping conversion tools avoid misinterpreting file content as a different spreadsheet format.

Understanding this MIME type helps when working with older documents, especially in digital archives or when transferring data from legacy systems. For more details on file types, check out the resource at Filext.

Associated file extensions

.xlr

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: application/x-tika-msworks-spreadsheet

HTML

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


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

Associated file extensions

.xlr

FAQs

What is the application/x-tika-msworks-spreadsheet MIME type?

This MIME type is a specific identifier used by content analysis tools, such as Apache Tika, to label legacy Microsoft Works spreadsheet files. It indicates that the file contains spreadsheet data, usually associated with the XLR file extension, and helps software distinguish it from modern Excel formats.

Why does this MIME type include "x-tika" in the name?

The x-tika prefix indicates that this is a non-standard, experimental MIME type defined by the Apache Tika toolkit. It is used when a file is detected as a Microsoft Works spreadsheet but does not match a registered IANA standard media type. It is primarily used for backend data extraction rather than public web serving.

How do I open a file with this MIME type?

Files identified by this type are typically Microsoft Works Spreadsheets (.xlr). You can open them using modern versions of Microsoft Excel (you may need to select "All Files" in the open dialog) or open-source alternatives like LibreOffice Calc.

How do I configure Apache to serve .xlr files with this MIME type?

To associate the .xlr extension with this specific MIME type, add the following line to your .htaccess file or main configuration: AddType application/x-tika-msworks-spreadsheet .xlr. However, for general download purposes, using application/octet-stream is often sufficient for legacy binary files.

Can I convert application/x-tika-msworks-spreadsheet files to Excel format?

Yes, once you open the file in a compatible viewer like LibreOffice or Microsoft Excel, you can use the "Save As" function to convert it to a modern format like .xlsx or .csv. This is recommended for long-term data preservation.

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

Web browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge) do not have built-in support for rendering legacy Microsoft Works files. When a server sends the header Content-Type: application/x-tika-msworks-spreadsheet, the browser defaults to downloading the file so you can open it with a desktop application.

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.