Which MIME types are related to file extension ".vbm"?

The .vbm file extension is associated with 2 MIME types:

image/x-commodore-vbm, application/octet-stream.

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

About .vbm Files

VBM files are files that have dual identities depending on their context.
They may follow the image/x-commodore-vbm MIME type. This variant is a VDC BitMap (v3) format. It was used on older Commodore systems to store bitmap graphics. These files show retro visuals and are best opened with specialized Commodore emulators or image editors.


Alternatively, VBM files can be tied to the application/octet-stream MIME type. Here, they serve as Veeam Backup Metadata. They hold important backup information in Veeam Backup & Replication environments. Such files help manage or restore archived data in modern IT backup settings.

Based on information from FilExt.com, the function of a .VBM file depends on its origin. Use the relevant software to open or edit them appropriately.

Relationship between file extension and MIME type

A file extension is a suffix at the end of a filename that indicates what type of file it is. File extensions help both users and operating systems identify what application should be used to open the file.

File extensions are typically separated from the filename by a period (dot) and consist of 2-4 characters, though they can be longer. For example, in the filename "document.pdf", ".pdf" is the file extension.

File extensions are closely related to MIME types, as they both serve to identify the format of a file. However, while MIME types are used primarily by web browsers and servers, file extensions are used by operating systems and applications.

Associated MIME types

image/x-commodore-vbm, application/octet-stream

FAQs

What are the different types of VBM files?

The .vbm extension generally refers to two distinct formats. Most commonly in IT, it is a Veeam Backup Metadata file used to track backup chains. In the context of retro computing, it is a VDC BitMap image used on older Commodore systems.

How do I open a Veeam VBM file?

You cannot open a Veeam .vbm file manually like a document. It is designed to be read by Veeam Backup & Replication software. To use it, import your backup repository within the Veeam console, and the software will automatically process the metadata.

How can I view a Commodore VBM image on Windows?

To view these retro graphics, use a multi-format image viewer that supports legacy definitions, such as XnView MP or Netpbm. Alternatively, running a Commodore emulator can allow you to view the file in its native environment.

Is it safe to delete a VBM file?

If it is a Veeam file, no. Deleting the .vbm file removes critical metadata about the backup chain (incrementals and full backups), potentially making restoration difficult. If it is a Commodore image, you can delete it just like any other picture file.

How do I convert a VBM image to JPEG or PNG?

Open the VBM file in a compatible viewer like XnView. Select File > Save As and choose a modern format like JPG or PNG. This converts the legacy image/x-commodore-vbm data into a standard web-friendly image.

What happens if a Veeam VBM file is corrupt?

If the metadata file is corrupt or missing, you may need to perform a Rescan of the backup repository in the Veeam console. This forces the software to read the actual backup data (.vbk files) and regenerate the metadata.

What is the MIME type for VBM files?

Retro images are identified as image/x-commodore-vbm. Veeam metadata files are binary and usually fall under application/octet-stream. For more information on these types, visit mime-type.com.

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 can one extension have multiple MIME types?

Different programs and historical usage may assign various MIME identifiers to the same file format. Listing them together helps maintain compatibility across tools.