What's the SID File?

Reporter:   |   Last Updated: November 26, 2018

Microsoft Silver

SID File Summary

Ten known software programs (notably, Steam developed by Valve) are related to the SID file extension. In addition, they are categorized under five distinct file types, but mainly identified as the Steam Game Data Backup File format. Generally, these files are considered Game Files, but they can also be Raster Image Files or Audio Files.

The SID File Extension can be viewed on the Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems. They are supported on both desktop and mobile devices. SID files have a "Low" Popularity Rating; this means that they are not present on most devices.

Although there is a lot more to know about SID files, those are the most important details of these types of files. If you are having trouble opening these files, or would like more detailed information, please see our comprehensive information below.

Low
Popular
322
Position

/ 11690

Active

Importance

26

November

2018

Page Last Updated

Download FileViewPro and Open SID

Product by Solvusoft

Free Download

Optional Offer for FileViewPro by Solvusoft | EULA | Privacy Policy | Terms | Uninstall

Sorts of SID Files

  5 known file types use this extension

Main SID Affiliation

.SID
File Ext:.sid
File Type:Steam Game Data Backup File

SID is a backup file used mainly to backup games developed by Valve to DVDs or other external media. SID files are created by Steam, an application used to download and manage Valve video games.

Created by: Valve
Function:Game Files
Registry Key: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.sid

Software Programs That Open The Steam Game Data Backup File:


Steam by Valve

Windows
Mac
Linux

Additional SID Files

.SID
File Ext:.sid
File Type:MrSID Image

MrSID (Multi-resolution Seamless Image Database) Image is an extension used for compressing large high resolution images like Geographic Information Systems (GIS) images.

Created by: LizardTech
Function:Raster Image Files

Software Programs That Open MrSID Image Files:


ESRI ArcGIS for Desktop by ESRI (Environmental Systems Research Institute)

Compatible with:

Windows

ACD Systems Canvas by Microsoft Corporation

Compatible with:

Windows
.SID
File Ext:.sid
File Type:SID Audio File

SID Audio File is used for video game background music and can use mono or stereo audio formats. SID files are used for playing the sounds on Commodore emulators and SID software players.

Created by: Open Source
Function:Audio Files

Software Programs That Open SID Audio File Files:


ACID 64 Player by Open Source

Compatible with:

Windows

Audacious by Open Source

Compatible with:

Windows
Linux
BSD

quadraSID by reFX

Compatible with:

Windows
Mac

SIDPLAY by Open Source

Compatible with:

Mac

SIDPlayer by Open Source

Compatible with:

Linux
BeOS
.SID
File Ext:.sid
File Type:ScanIt Document

ScanIt Document has the graph image and its metadata such as axes definitions and document windows. It allows to save progress and continue it at a later time.

Created by: AmsterCHEM
Function:Raster Image Files

Software Programs That Open ScanIt Document Files:


AmsterCHEM ScanIt by AmsterCHEM

Compatible with:

Windows
.SID
File Ext:.sid
File Type:SMS Software Inventory Delta

Software Inventory file created by Microsoft Systems Management Server (SMS) used for managing large groups of computers with Windows in companies and corporations.

Created by: Microsoft Corporation
Function:System Files

Software Programs That Open SMS Software Inventory Delta Files:


Microsoft Systems Management Server by Microsoft Corporation

Compatible with:

Windows
Mac
iOS
Android
Linux
Symbian OS

Optional Offer for FileViewPro by Solvusoft | EULA | Privacy Policy | Terms | Uninstall


SID Usage


Leading Operating Systems

Windows (97.14%)
Macintosh (2.06%)
Linux (0.73%)
Chrome (0.05%)
Other (0.01%)

Operating System Rank

Windows (82.33%)
Android (11.56%)
iOS (3.43%)
Macintosh (1.71%)
Linux (0.60%)


SID Troubleshooting


Common Problems Opening SID Files

Steam is Not Installed

You attempt to load your SID file and get an error such as "%%os%% Can't Open The SID File Extension". When this happens, it is commonly due to Steam missing in %%os%%. You won't be able to double-click to open your SID because your OS doesn't know what to do with it.


Tip: When you have another program installed that you know will open your SID, you can select it from the other programs listed (see "Show Apps").


Obsolete Version of Steam

Your Steam Game Data Backup File file is incompatible with Steam because you might have the wrong version installed. Installing the latest version of Steam from Valve is recommended. Your Steam Game Data Backup File file was probably created by a newer release of Steam than what's currently installed your computer.


Tip: If you right-click on your SID file, then select "Properties" (Windows) or "Get Info" (Mac), you can obtain hints about what version you need.


Ultimately, most of the difficulties opening SID files are due to having the wrong version of Steam installed.


Associated Difficulties Loading SID Files

In the majority of cases, installing the right version of Steam will resolve your issue. Other SID opening errors can be created by other system problems inside of %%os%%. Problems unrelated to software:

  • Corrupt Windows Registry file path references for SID
  • The SID file description within the Windows Registry was removed
  • Steam or another SID application experienced a flawed installation
  • SID file corruption
  • Your SID is infected with malware
  • SID-related hardware has device drivers that obsolete
  • Your PC doesn’t have enough available resources to open the Steam Game Data Backup File file

Quiz: Which operating system pioneered hierarchical file system (eg. file folders)?








Poll: What file extension do you use the most often?










Optional Offer for FileViewPro by Solvusoft | EULA | Privacy Policy | Terms | Uninstall


File Extensions   # A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

© Solvusoft Corporation 2011-2023. All Rights Reserved.