I cannot open a DVR file. What should I do? Help!
Virtually anyone has encountered some problems with opening unknown files while working on a computer. It can be very frustrating. Yet such problems, not only with DVR files, can be addressed in a standard way. Follow the steps below and we can guarantee that your problem with opening DVR will be resolved!
DVR File Extension
- File type Microsoft Recorded TV Show
- File developer Microsoft
- File category Video Files
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File popularity rating
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What is a(n) DVR file?
The DVR (Microsoft Recorded TV Show) file format is a proprietary file format used for recordings made using Microsoft's MPEG-2 based codecs. It stores information such as channel names, dates and times, audio / video synchronization information, subtitle data, video codecs, and other related data. DVR files can be opened using Windows Media Player or other media players that support the DVR format.
DVR files can be converted to more widely accepted formats such as AVI, MP4 or MKV using free software like FFmpeg or Handbrake. The converted files are then supported by a wide array of media player apps and can be played on multiple devices.
How to open DVR file?
If given user account does not have necessary permissions to open files with DVR extension, it is highly probable that no program that supports given files is installed on the users’ system. Below is a list of actions user should pursue in order to resolve most common problems.
Step 1. Download and install application that supports DVR files
After the application has been installed, the system should automatically open DVR files with given application. Below is the list of relevant programs along with operating systems they are available for:
Programs that support DVR files
Step 2. Verify whether DVR files are associated with appropriate software
It is possible that an application that supports DVR files is not associated with such files. In such case, the program should by manually associated with DVR files (right-click on the file icon → Properties → General Tab → In submenu "Open with" and click on "Change" button. System will display a list of suggested programs that support DVR files. Choose the application by checking the box "Always use the selected application to open this kind of files". System will store this information in its registry and use it to open DVR files with the selected program.
Changing DVR file association in registry
File association for DVR files can be edited manually by editing appropriate entry in Windows System Registry. However, it is discouraged as it may introduce errors to registry if not done properly and may even damage the system.
Step 3. Check DVR file for other errors
- DVR file was not copied properly from storage medium.
- Antivirus application prevents opening DVR files. In that case it is recommended to exercise extreme caution and recover or delete infected DVR file. It is also advised to scan the entire system for malicious software and viruses with antivirus software.
- For DVR files downloaded from the internet it is advised to check if the file has been downloaded completely and is not corrupted. If not, the file should be re-downloaded.
