MDS File Extension
Media Descriptor Format
- File Type mds
- Popularity
- Application Alcohol 120%
- Category Disk Image Files
- Format Binary
What is a MDS file?
Media Descriptor Format, identified by the MDS extension, is a Disk Image Files type and includes 133 files.
MDS files are supported by Windows and Mac OS. You can open a MDS file using one of 10 programs, for example Alcohol 120%, MagicISO and Astroburn.
File Signature
HEX code: 4D 45 44 49 41 20 44 45 53 43 52 49 50 54 4F 52. ASCII code: MEDIA.DESCRIPTOR.
Programs that support MDS files
How to open a MDS file?
The most common reason why a MDS file cannot be opened is the absence of required software. To fix this, select a compatible program from the list. Then visit the official developer website via the provided link, download the program, and install it on your system.
The most popular programs for working with MDS files are Alcohol 120%, MagicISO and Astroburn. To get the latest version of Alcohol 120%, open the Alcohol Software website where a universal installer for all operating systems is available.
Once setup is done, your operating system should assign Alcohol 120% as the default app for MDS files.
Make Alcohol 120% the default MDS viewer
Changing the default program in Windows
- Start by right-clicking on your MDS file and selecting the "Open With" option. From there, click "Choose another app" to continue;
- Inside the popup window, scroll through the list of applications and specifically choose Alcohol 120% as the application to associate with your MDS file;
- Check the "Always use this app" checkbox and click "OK".
Change the default app to open files on Mac
- Right click or use Control + Left Click on the desired MDS file to access a dropdown menu of actions;
- Select "Open in application" and click "Other";
- Scroll down to the bottom of the window, where you will find the "Enable" menu. Default, "Recommended Programs" will be selected;
- In this menu, choose "All Programs" and navigate to Alcohol 120%. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make it the default program.
Convert to and from MDS
If a MDS file is difficult to handle, you might try converting it to formats such as ISO, AA, BIN or similar, which may be easier to work with.
Please note that after converting a MDS file, some functionality may differ from the original. However, in many cases, it can be converted back to its original format.
Convert MDS to other file formats
Converting Files to MDS Format
Finding answers to MDS file problems
If you encounter issues with MDS files, don’t worry—most can be fixed with minor software adjustments. Refer to the troubleshooting tips below.
What are the signs that my MDS file is damaged?
Corrupted MDS disk image files may have one or more of the following symptoms:
- Poor performance when editing a file in Alcohol 120%;
- Opening or processing the file in Alcohol 120% or other programs causes instability or crashes in the program;
- The file shows errors when trying to open it or does not open completely;
- Unexpected expansion of the total size of the MDS file;
- Working with the file triggers the display of error messages;
Why does Alcohol 120% quit or crash unexpectedly?
Alcohol 120% crashes can be attributed to outdated software. Make sure you have installed the latest updates for Alcohol Software products.
A computer restart is often the key to solving numerous common problems. That’s why, it is recommended to restart the computer before making any changes to the software settings.
What methods can be used to repair a damaged MDS file?
Use a recovery program to open the damaged MDS file and navigate to the "Repair" menu item. Wait for the recovery process to finish, as it will automatically repair damaged disk image files.
How to edit a MDS file?
To edit MDS files, you need to install specialized software that allows you not only to open but also to modify disk image files. Online MDS editors usually provide fewer features than software created specifically for Media Descriptor Format.
List of Top MDS editors 2026
Following these criteria, we have put together a list of recommended MDS editors.
| MDS Editor Software | Developer | Platforms | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alcohol 120% | Alcohol Software | Windows | 4.3 out of 5 (47 reviews) |