Honestly, I  can't recall. LOL If  I remember right  you only need the .dsx or the manifest.. not both.

I download the zips with DIM to a folder on my external and just leave them there with the .dsx files. I let DIM install to a dummy folder on my desktop and rename them and then merge into My Library and it works out perfectly. :) I get my updates when there are any and never ran into a problem without the manifest.

When the forums come back you can ask the specific purpose of the manifest ones but DIM hasn't missed them. LOL

"Own the Day"

*Live*Laugh*Love*Dream*Believe*

DS user since the first alpha :)

Poser user through P5