This article provides a reference overview of the files that make up a Quality Window application.
In most cases, users should not interact directly with these files. Quality Window includes built-in tools for managing applications, backups, and data access. Direct file-level changes can lead to data corruption or inconsistent behavior.
This information is intended for advanced users, IT teams, or situations where Busitech Support has directed you to review application files.
A Quality Window application is typically created for a specific use or task, such as a downtime tracking system or a production audit. Each application consists of a set of files that define structure, store data, and support features like views, scripting, and popups.
Core Application Files
These files are required for a functioning Quality Window application.
| File Extension | Description |
|---|---|
| .QWT | Application template containing all definition information such as variable names, order, specifications, control limits, and targets |
| .QWD | Application data file where all collected data is stored based on the template definition |
| .QWI | Index file used to support fast access to the data stored in the QWD file |
Note: The QWD file will grow over time as data is collected.
Optional Application Files
These files may or may not exist depending on how the application is configured.
| File Extension | Description |
|---|---|
| .QVM | Views index file used to manage saved views |
| .V1 – .V99 | Individual view definition files |
| .QWX | Application script file containing custom scripting logic for the application |
| .QWN | Stores the last number used when the AutoNumber feature is enabled |
| .QWM | QW Admin change message log used to communicate administrator changes to users in Workstation |
| .QWSDB | Database file used internally to support newer features such as alarms and report documents |
| .QWSDB.Lock | Lock file associated with the QWSDB database to manage access |
Shared and Supporting Files
These files may be shared across multiple applications.
| File Extension | Description |
|---|---|
| .IO | Used to provide default values for variables such as Shift or Team |
| .QPT / .QPD | Popup definition files created in QW Admin to provide predefined selections for variables |
Other Files
Additional files may exist in the application directory depending on configuration.
These can include:
- Help files associated with variables
- User-defined supporting files
- Integration or export-related files
When not to use the file system
Avoid directly modifying, renaming, or deleting application files unless instructed by Busitech Support.
Common risks include:
- Data corruption
- Broken indexes or views
- Mismatched definitions and data
- Loss of historical records
Use QW Admin for:
- Saving copies of applications
- Moving applications
- Deleting data from applications
- Renaming applications
- Deleting applications
Quality Window also provides tools to create application backups. These are useful for creating point-in-time copies of applications or transferring them between systems.
However, these tools are not intended to replace your organization’s IT backup strategy. Regular system-level backups should still be managed according to your internal IT policies to ensure full data protection and recovery.
This approach keeps application structure and data consistent while ensuring proper long-term backup coverage.