Can't Open files on new computer

[happymom]

I am trying to get my new computer set up...I didn't want to transfer everything from my old one, so I copied my files onto a flash drive. However, the files I created in NVU will not open because they have a vem extension after them. This is a Sony flash drive and apparently this is their unique extension. I copied their virtual expander to the new computer, but the files still will not open. Is there an easy way to fix this or will I need to copy the files onto a CD instead of the flash drive. I thought the flash drive would be an easy way to transfer data from my lap top to my desktop, but I guess nothing ever comes easy. What is the easiest way to copy only some files to a new computer?

Thanks,

Julie

[troyzone]

Hi Julie,

I had to do a bit of research on Google for this one...as you mentioned, apparently Sony USB flash drives use their own proprietary compression software that creates files with a .vem filename extension when files are placed on the flash drive. In theory this allows you to fit more data on a given flash drive since it is compressed.

The driver software for the Sony flash drive is supposed to decompress such files automatically when they are copied from the flash drive back to the computer, but of course the driver/software has to be installed on the computer for this to happen.

To that end, make sure that you have the right software or driver installed. If a CD or disk came with the flash drive, install that on the new computer. Sometimes when a device is plugged in, Windows will detect it and automatically install drivers for it, however the drivers that Windows automatically installs may not necessarily support all of the features of the device. In those cases, you need to install the original drivers provided directly from the manufacturer of the device in question.

I didn't realize that Sony USB flash drives had their own proprietary compression software for files placed on such drives, but I can't say that I'm surprised... I work in an electronics store and I've had a few customers in the past bring in Sony MP3 players that they were having difficulty with, and it turned out that the Sony software for them created their own proprietary file format for music placed on their MP3 players. I really dislike it when companies use proprietary formats like this, it is much better to stick with standard formats that are more universally accepted.

Here is some info I found online:

Micro Vault Virtual Expander is Sony's unique file compression software. It is pre-installed on devices. With the driver installed in Windows simply dragging a file to the device will cause the file to be compressed and get a .VEM file extension; dragging that file from the device back to the computer will automatically decompress it. But, the driver must be installed on the computer before this will happen. .....

(Source: filext.com/file-extension/VEM)

How to open .vem file

Micro Vault Virtual Expander is pre-installed Sony's unique file compression software. This software will compress your data to virtually store about 3 times*1 as much data!

Without using a Micro Vault drive, you can decompress the files and the folders, compressed by Micro Vault Virtual Expander, by downloading the "Decompression.exe" application.
www.sony.net/Products/Media/Microvault/files/USM_DE_P/Decompression_v101.exe

(Source: forums.cnet.com/5208-7813_102-0.html?forumID=15&threadID=154058&messageID=2460434#2460434)

I also figured out the following link to the Micro Vault page derived from the direct file download link above:

www.sony.net/Products/Media/Microvault/

If none of that works, you can perhaps also try the Sony eSupport site to see if your particular USB flash drive's model is listed and then download the appropriate software for it directly from Sony that way:

esupport.sony.com/US/perl/select-system.pl?PRODTYPE=27

A flash drive normally IS a quick and easy way to transfer files between computers, but it appears that Sony's proprietary USB flash drive compression software has thrown you a curve ball in this particular case... As you mentioned, you could also burn the files onto a CD and then load them onto your new computer from it, this should work fine as well.

If your files are important to you to keep in the event of a computer crash or other problem, especially if they are business-related, then I highly recommend that you create a backup of them to a removable medium such as a CD or flash drive on a regular basis in any case for safekeeping.

Hope this helps.

Troy