What Is a DM File?
A file with the DM file extension is most likely a DRM Delivery Message file. It can be any file type but is usually an audio file used as a ringtone or media clip on a cell phone. They’re sometimes downloaded to a computer, too. Since these files are protected with DRM (Digital Rights Management) copy-protection software, a cell phone must be authorized in order to use them. DRM Delivery Message files might be downloaded through an installation service and have an additional file extension preceding it, like file.sis.dm or file.sisx.dm. Other DM files may instead be Paradox Data Model files used by the Corel Paradox (now WordPerfect Office) database software, or BYOND Dream Maker code files.
How to Open a DM File
Sony Ericsson’s DRM Packager can both open and create DM files that are DRM Delivery Message files. The program SISContents can open DM files too. Copy-protected DM files can’t be opened even if you transfer the file to a different phone. If the device uses hardware-based encryption, the file will only work on that specific device. Paradox Data Model files open with Paradox, which was acquired by Corel in the 1990s. Corel Paradox 8 was the first program from Corel that included Paradox, but they then published the software along with the professional versions of their WordPerfect Office software. WordPerfect Office X4 Hot Fix 1 and X5 Hot Fix 1 are the latest versions that include Paradox. The BYOND game creation platform opens DM files in that format.
How to Convert a DM File
Audio files in the DM format cannot be converted to another playable format like MP3 because they’re protected with special copy-protection software. Only the device that’s authorized to play the file has rights to open it. However, you might be able to just rename the DM file to MP3 and play it that way, but only if it’s a non-DRM file. If that works, you can run the MP3 through an audio file converter if you need it to be in some other file format. If Paradox Data Model files can be saved to any other format, it’s likely done through the Paradox software mentioned above. However, as stated earlier, you’ll need the WordPerfect Office software.
Still Can’t Open It?
If your file still won’t open after following the suggestions above, make sure you’re reading the file extension correctly. Some file extensions use similar letters despite having nothing in common, and thus are incompatible with each other’s openers. One great example is DRM files. Take note that these are not DRM Delivery Message files but instead files that use the DRM file extension, which are Deus Ex Data files or Cubase Drum Map files. In either case, they don’t open with the same tools that can work with DM files, but instead use Deus Ex HR Tools and Cubase, respectively. DMG, DMA, DMC, and HDMP are similar in that they, too, don’t behave like DM files and therefore open with different programs. Follow those links to learn more about those formats, including how to open them and whether you can convert them to other file formats.
