ABF File Extension

What is ABF file?

Full format name of files that use ABF extension is Analysis Services Backup Format. Analysis Services Backup Format format was developed by Microsoft. Files with ABF extension may be used by programs distributed for Windows platform. Files with ABF extension are categorized as Backup Files files. The Backup Files subset comprises 243 various file formats. The software recommended for managing ABF files is Microsoft SQL Server 2012.

Programs which support ABF file extension

Programs that can handle ABF files are as follows. Files with ABF suffix can be copied to any mobile device or system platform, but it may not be possible to open them properly on target system.

How to open file with ABF extension?

Problems with accessing ABF may be due to various reasons. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to Analysis Services Backup Format files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with ABF files.

Step 1. Download and install Microsoft SQL Server 2012

Problems with opening and working with ABF files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with ABF files being present on your machine. The solution to this problem is very simple. Download Microsoft SQL Server 2012 and install it on your device. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support ABF files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. The safest method of downloading Microsoft SQL Server 2012 installed is by going to developer’s website () and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Check the version of Microsoft SQL Server 2012 and update if needed

If you already have Microsoft SQL Server 2012 installed on your systems and ABF files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. If you have an older version of Microsoft SQL Server 2012 installed, it may not support ABF format. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using Microsoft SQL Server 2012.

Step 3. Associate Analysis Services Backup Format files with Microsoft SQL Server 2012

After installing Microsoft SQL Server 2012 (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open ABF files. The next step should pose no problems. The procedure is straightforward and largely system-independent

The procedure to change the default program in Windows

• Right-click the ABF file and choose Open with option
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where Microsoft SQL Server 2012 is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open ABF files and clicking OK.

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected ABF file open the file menu and choose 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 ABF extension message should pop-up. Click Continue button in order to confirm your choice.

Step 4. Verify that the ABF is not faulty

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the ABF file is valid. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.

1. Check the ABF file for viruses or malware

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the ABF file hinders attempts to open it. It is advised to scan the system for viruses and malware as soon as possible or use an online antivirus scanner. ABF file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

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

Did you receive the ABF file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. It is possible that the file has not been properly copied to a data storage and is incomplete and therefore cannot be opened. When downloading the file with ABF extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

3. Check if the user that you are logged as has administrative privileges.

There is a possibility that the file in question can only be accessed by users with sufficient system privileges. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the Analysis Services Backup Format file.

4. Verify that your device fulfills the requirements to be able to open Microsoft SQL Server 2012

The operating systems may note enough free resources to run the application that support ABF files. Close all running programs and try opening the ABF file.

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 Analysis Services Backup Format files and ensure security of your device and operating system. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with ABF files affecting older versions of given software.

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