ITEMDATA-MS File – What is .itemdata-ms file and how to open it?

Overview of ITEMDATA-MS Files

ITEMDATA-MS files are associated with the Windows operating system and carry the file extension “.ITEMDATA-MS”. They are used to store data related to items on the Windows 8 Start Screen. Each tile on the Start Screen represents a specific application, program, or website, and the ITEMDATA-MS file associated with that tile contains information such as the application’s name, icon, and other metadata. These files are essential for the proper functioning of the Start Screen and play a crucial role in organizing and managing apps and shortcuts.

Structure and Contents of ITEMDATA-MS Files

ITEMDATA-MS files are binary files that use a proprietary format developed by Microsoft. The structure of these files is complex and not publicly documented. However, it is known that they contain multiple sections, each of which stores different types of data. These sections include information such as:

• Tile ID: A unique identifier for the tile on the Start Screen
• Application Name: The name of the application associated with the tile
• Application Path: The location of the application’s executable file
• Icon Path: The location of the tile’s icon file
• Additional Metadata: Other data related to the tile’s appearance and behavior, such as the tile’s size, color, and live tile update settings

Opening ITEMDATA-MS Files on Windows 8

ITEMDATA-MS files are native to Windows 8 and can only be opened within that operating system. To view the contents of an ITEMDATA-MS file, navigate to the file location in File Explorer and double-click on it. The file will open in the Windows 8 Start Screen, displaying the associated app, website, or file.

Alternative Solutions

If you need to access ITEMDATA-MS files on a different operating system or device, alternative solutions are available. Third-party software specifically designed to open ITEMDATA-MS files can be downloaded and installed. These programs typically provide basic functionality for viewing and managing the contents of ITEMDATA-MS files, but they may not support all the features available in Windows 8. Additionally, online file converters allow you to convert ITEMDATA-MS files into more accessible formats, such as TXT or XML, which can be opened using a variety of applications.

Properties and Functionality

ITEMDATA-MS files are categorized as system files associated with the Windows 8 Start Screen. They contain metadata and configuration data pertaining to tiles and shortcuts present on the Start Screen. These files enable Windows 8 to manage the placement, size, and other settings of Start Screen elements. By customizing these settings, users can personalize their Start Screen to suit their preferences and workflow.

Technical Details

ITEMDATA-MS files are typically located in the “C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Application Data\” directory. They are XML-based files that follow a specific structure to define the properties of each item on the Start Screen. Each file corresponds to a single tile or shortcut, storing information such as the associated application, tile size, background color, live tile settings, and jump list configuration. By modifying these files, advanced users can manipulate the Start Screen layout and behavior to a granular level. However, it’s important to note that modifying these files requires technical expertise and should be done with caution as it can potentially lead to system instabilities if not performed correctly.

Other Extensions