ADX File Extension

What is ADX file?

Index files for Lotus Approach databases are saved with the .ADX extension. This is a format that facilitates the operation of relational databases, allowing for quicker access to information. It was used in older versions of Lotus software and was later replaced by modern, more efficient mechanisms. The SmartSuite software package, which included the Lotus/IBM Approach database systems, is no longer being developed and supported.

Creating .ADX Files in Relational Databases

.ADX index files for Approach databases were automatically created. These are known as SmartIndex Files. They were saved by default in the directory with the DBF or DBT database file. However, they may cause certain problems:

• Their size is not verified, and they are created incrementally, which may cause them to occupy more disk space than the database itself over time,
• If the database is used by other applications, the .ADX file might be incorrect and outdated,
• The file may store incorrect data due to errors, leading to the indication of wrong indexes during searches.

These situations in Approach databases can usually be remedied by compacting the database or deleting or repairing the .ADX file, which will be restored.

Possible Consequences of Deleting an .ADX File in Approach dBase

In certain cases of maintaining databases and working with .ADX files, complications may arise. If the database has field names that do not comply with the dBase IV format, uses automatically increasing serial numbers, or is also utilized by other software, deleting the .ADX file may disrupt its structure. Therefore, other methods of fixing problems with SmartIndex .ADX files have been developed.

Programs which support ADX file extension

Programs that can handle ADX files are as follows. Files with ADX extension, just like any other file formats, can be found on any operating system. The files in question may be transferred to other devices, be it mobile or stationary, yet not all systems may be capable of properly handling such files.

Updated: 03/01/2024

How to open file with ADX extension?

Problems with accessing ADX may be due to various reasons. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to Approach Index Format files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. The list below will guide you through the process of addressing the encountered problem.

Step 1. Download and install Lotus Approach

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports ADX files installed on the system. This issue can be addressed by downloading and installing Lotus Approach or different compatible program, such as Lotus 1-2-3. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. If you want to download Lotus Approach installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit IBM website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Update Lotus Approach to the latest version

You still cannot access ADX files although Lotus Approach is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. This can be one of the causes why ADX files are not compatible with Lotus Approach. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using Lotus Approach.

Step 3. Set the default application to open ADX files to Lotus Approach

If you have the latest version of Lotus Approach installed and the problem persists, select it as the default program to be used to manage ADX on your device. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

The procedure to change the default program in Windows

• Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the ADX file
• Next, select the Choose another app option and then using More apps open the list of available applications
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where Lotus Approach is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open ADX files and clicking OK.

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• Right-click the ADX file and 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 ADX extension message should pop-up. Click Continue button in order to confirm your choice.

Step 4. Ensure that the ADX file is complete and free of errors

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 ADX file. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

1. Verify that the ADX in question is not infected with a computer virus

If the ADX is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. If the ADX file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Ensure the file with ADX extension is complete and error-free

If you obtained the problematic ADX file from a third party, ask them to supply you with another copy. 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 ADX 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 Approach Index Format file.

4. Check whether your system can handle Lotus Approach

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with ADX extension. In this case close the other applications.

5. Verify that your operating system and drivers are up to date

Latest versions of programs and drivers may help you solve problems with Approach Index 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 ADX files affecting older versions of given software.

Do you want to help?

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