.sqm file extension

.sqm

1. Windows Live Messenger Log File.

Contributed by John Rehill

SQM stands for "Software Quality Metrics". These are hidden data collection files generated to facilitate monitoring of usage habits, performance and error reporting for use by Microsoft. Windows Live Messenger generates them, and it is rumoured that some other Microsoft applications may also generate them.

Windows Live messenger generates files "sqmdata??.sqm" and "sqmnoopt??.sqm" files, where "??" are two digits which start at 00 and subsequently increment, so "sqmnoopt00.sqm" then "sqmnoot01.sqm" and so on. These files used to be generated in the root of the C: drive, but are more recent versions of Messenger save them to the ".../Documents and settings/Application Data/Microsoft/MSN Messenger" folder for the current user. To disable the generation of these files simply find the option in the application for participating in the "Customer Experience Improvement Program" and deselect the option to participate. (This option is available under Tools > Options > General)

These files may be safely deleted (although Microsoft may then miss out on the information they contain).

2. Windows Live Mail Log File.

These are "Software Quality Metrics" files generated from Windows Live Mail to facilitate monitoring of usage habits, performance and error reporting for use by Microsoft. Apparently the generation of these files cannot be disabled.

3. Mission file for the game Operation Flashpoint.

For more information see:

• www.bistudio.com - Home page of the company that produces the Operation Flashpoint game.

Can you add to this? Do you know of any applications not already listed which will work with .sqm files, view .sqm files or open .sqm files? Are you able to contribute any additional reference information or file format information about .sqm files or have you spotted any errors or omissions? If so please let us know by emailing us at feedback@cryer.co.uk - Thank you.