Understanding VDM Install Folder Locations

This article explains the default folder locations used by VDM for application files, configuration data, service files, logs, and user-generated content.

Important: If an imported OPTIONS file is being used, the folder locations defined in that file can override the default locations shown in this article.

Default folder locations

VDM commonly uses the following Windows folders:

• AppData — Stores user-specific configuration and license-related files.
• ProgramData — Stores shared configuration, service-related settings, and installation information.
• Program Files — Stores the main VDM application and supporting components.
• Documents — Stores user-generated VDM content such as Views, Jobs, Profiles, and other saved files.

AppData

AppData stores user-specific VDM files and settings.

Default location:

C:\Users\YourUserName\AppData\Roaming\BridgeWorks VDM\

To open this folder directly for the current Windows user, enter %APPDATA%\BridgeWorks VDM in File Explorer or the Run dialog. %APPDATA% refers to the current user's Roaming AppData folder.

Access AppData

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Enter %APPDATA%\BridgeWorks VDM in the address bar.
3. Press Enter.

The folder screenshot below shows the contents of %APPDATA%\BridgeWorks VDM, including the current license filename format.

Upgrading an already registered installation: After upgrading to VDM 2026.10.12 or later, VDM automatically updates the local license file to the <ApplicationID>.licx format on the next startup. The original VDM.licx file is not removed, so both files can appear in the AppData folder.

Files and folders that may appear here

Depending on the VDM configuration and features being used, this folder may include:

• Knowledge — Stores knowledge-related application data.
• OPTIONS — Stores user and application configuration settings.
• RECENT — Stores recently opened items.
• <ApplicationID>.licx — Local VDM license file in version 2026.10.12 and later. Replace <ApplicationID> with the Application ID displayed in VDM Settings. The filename varies by application installation; do not look for a file literally named ApplicationID.licx.
• VDM.licx / VDM.lic — License filenames used by earlier VDM versions. The original VDM.licx file is retained when an already registered installation updates to the new license filename format.
• VDM.msi — May be present when the VDM installer package has been stored in this location.

Example AppData folder for VDM 2026.10.12 and later. YourApplicationID.licx is a placeholder for the Application ID, followed by .licx. The original VDM.licx file remains after the automatic license file update on the next startup.

To find your Application ID, open VDM and select Settings. On the right, locate Application ID above License Information. The Application ID identifies the installation; the License Key is used for registration.

For license reset instructions, see How to Reset Your VDM License and Re-Register.

ProgramData

ProgramData stores shared VDM configuration and service-related information.

Default location:

C:\ProgramData\BridgeWorks VDM\

Access ProgramData

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Enter %programdata% in the address bar.
3. Press Enter.
4. Open the BridgeWorks VDM folder.

Files and folders that may appear here

This location may include:

• Service folder — Contains configuration and supporting files used by VDM services.
• Install logs — Contains installation and upgrade log files.
• Service Options — Contains service-specific configuration settings.
• Global Options — Contains system-wide VDM configuration settings.

Some service executables and supporting application files are installed under the VDM Program Files directory, while ProgramData is used for shared configuration and service-related data.

Program Files

Program Files contains the main VDM application files and supporting components.

Default location:

C:\Program Files\BridgeWorks LLC\BridgeWorks VDM\

Access Program Files

1. Open File Explorer.

2. Navigate to:

   C:\Program Files\BridgeWorks LLC\BridgeWorks VDM\

Files and folders that may appear here

This location may include:

• Converter — Conversion-related application components and utilities.
• lib — Supporting libraries and dependencies.
• Service — Service-related executables and supporting files.
• wwwroot — Web-related application assets and static content.
• BridgeWorks EULA — End User License Agreement documentation.
• DLL files — Supporting application libraries.
• VDM application executable — The main executable used to launch VDM.

Documents

The Documents location stores user-generated VDM content and configuration files.

Access the VDM Documents folder

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Open Documents.
3. Open the BridgeWorks VDM folder.

Folders that may appear here

The folders available can vary depending on which VDM features have been used.

They may include:

• Bridgit AI
• Calendar
• CalendarBackups
• Favorites
• Formats
• Formulas
• Insights
• Jobs
• Linking
• Lists
• Logs
• Profiles
• Templates
• Views

For example:

• Jobs stores saved job definitions.
• Profiles stores connection profiles and related settings.
• Views stores saved VDM Views.
• Logs stores VDM log files used for troubleshooting.
• Templates, Formats, and Formulas store reusable configuration created within VDM.

Related articles

• Installing VDM and Required Components
• VDM System Requirements and Supported Platforms
• VDM .NET 10 Runtime Installation Guide