MDB File Extension

What is MDB file?

MDB is a database file generated and used by Microsoft Access program – it is a native format of this software, based on engine of the Access Jet database. MDB files contain data regarding databases – structure and requests of a database, functions, records and other information. Besides that, MDB files can also store forms for entering data, component procedures, reports or security settings.

Access data can be imported and joined also with other formats and applications, e.g.: HTML and XML, Excel, SharePoint, Outlook. MDB files can be converted into TXT or CSV formats using MDB Converter, therefore they can be edited using many various programs.

MDB files and its successors

MDB format is used in Microsoft Access 2003 and its previous versions. Newer versions of Access software use newer format which has substituted MDB – the ACCDB format.

MDB and LDB

Along with MDB files, in a single folder there can be also a file with LDB extension, because it is created also by MS Access program. LDB is a blockage file created by program in the moment when an MDB file is being edited by user. This enables to block the option to introduce changes to the file by multiple users at the same time.

Programs which support MDB file extension

The following list contains programs grouped by 3 operating systems that support MDB files. MDB files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

Updated: 03/03/2023

How to open file with MDB extension?

Problems with accessing MDB may be due to various reasons. What is important, all common issues related to files with MDB extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with MDB files.

Step 1. Get the Microsoft Access

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening MDB files is that no program that can handle MDB files is installed on user’s system. The most obvious solution is to download and install Microsoft Access or one to the listed programs: SAS, MDB Converter, Microsoft Visual Studio. On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. If you want to download Microsoft Access installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit Microsoft Corporation website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Check the version of Microsoft Access and update if needed

If the problems with opening MDB files still occur even after installing Microsoft Access, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of Microsoft Access is available. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. If you have an older version of Microsoft Access installed, it may not support MDB format. The latest version of Microsoft Access should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Assign Microsoft Access to MDB files

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate MDB files with latest version of Microsoft Access you have installed on your device. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

Change the default application in Windows

• Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the MDB file
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• Finally select Look for another app on this PC, point to the folder where Microsoft Access is installed, check the Always use this app to open MDB files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

Change the default application in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with MDB extension, select Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• From the list choose the appropriate program and confirm by clicking Change for all....
• Finally, a This change will be applied to all files with MDB extension message should pop-up. Click Continue button in order to confirm your choice.

Step 4. Verify that the MDB is not faulty

You closely followed the steps listed in points 1-3, but the problem is still present? You should check whether the file is a proper MDB file. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.

1. The MDB may be infected with malware – make sure to scan it with an antivirus tool.

Should it happed that the MDB is infected with a virus, this may be that cause that prevents you from accessing it. Scan the MDB file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the MDB file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Verify that the MDB file’s structure is intact

Did you receive the MDB file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. During the copy process of the file errors may occurred rendering the file incomplete or corrupted. This could be the source of encountered problems with the file. When downloading the file with MDB extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

3. Verify whether your account has administrative rights

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Log in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.

4. Verify that your device fulfills the requirements to be able to open Microsoft Access

If the systems has insufficient resources to open MDB files, try closing all currently running applications and try again.

5. Check if you have the latest updates to the operating system and drivers

Latest versions of programs and drivers may help you solve problems with Microsoft Access Database files and ensure security of your device and operating system. It may be the case that the MDB files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

Do you want to help?

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