Tips to open DBF file
Can't open the DBF file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open DBF files as well as a list of programs that support DBF files.
DBF file extension
| File Name |
Database Format |
| File Developer |
dBASE |
| File Category |
Database Files |
The DBF file is supported on 4 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the DBF files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the DBF file on each system platform.
What is DBF file?
The .DBF file is a database file. The format was introduced by dBASE and it is still commonly used for simple database systems, mostly internally for some applications. In addition to the respective database client, you can use editors with the ability to view the internal database structure. This facilitates possible repairs at the level of file corruption and erroneous writes. The database in this format differs from the currently used solutions and is rather a curiosity.
How to open DBF file?
The main problem with Database Format is that the DBF file is incorrectly associated with programs. This is manifested by the fact that DBF files open in unusual applications or do not have an assigned program. How to solve such a problem?
The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the DBF file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.
Step 1. Install NeoOffice
The first step is to check if the computer has the NeoOffice program installed. This can be achieved by typing NeoOffice into the operating system search engine. If we do not have this program, it is worth installing it, as it will help you automatically associate the file DBF with NeoOffice. Below is a list of programs that support the file DBF.
Programs to open DBF file
Remember to download programs supporting DBF files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.
Step 2. Create association of NeoOffice with DBF files
However, it may happen that the application itself does not cause the DBF file to open in the NeoOffice application, but you can set it manually. The association can be created using the drop-down list available by right-clicking on the file and selecting Properties. The window will show, among other things, the type of the file and the information by which the program is used to launch the file. Using the "Change" button we can set the program to handle this type. It may happen that in the next window there will be no appropriate program - however, this can be corrected with the "Browse" option where you should manually indicate the program location. Checking the "Always use the selected program ..." box will permanently associate the DBF file with the NeoOffice program.
Step 3. Update NeoOffice to the latest version
If, despite the association of the NeoOffice program with the Database Format file, the file still does not open, check the program version and possibly update it to the newest version. In this case, use the Planamesa Inc. website or update the program from the application.
Step 4. Check for the following problems with the DBF file
The problem may also be with the file itself if the above steps don't work. The most common file problems are:
Very often, the file may be size 0 or incomplete. Usually this applies to DBF files downloaded from the Internet in case the download did not finish properly. The file should be downloaded again, making sure that the process has finished correctly.
The computer may have fallen victim to a computer virus or hacker. Perform a virus scan using available and up-to-date anti-virus software. Alternatively, you can use the scanners available online. However, it is important to scan the entire system, not only the file DBF or the program directory. Sometimes virus-infected DBF files cannot be recovered, so make a backup in advance.
A typical compatibility error - the program does not support the older version of the DBF file. On their websites, developers usually offer free solutions to such problems, e.g. in the form of a conversion program or an older version of the program.
There can be many reasons for this. Repairing is very dependent on the file type. Some programs offer the ability to automatically repair DBF file corruption. You can restore the file from a backup or use dBASE help.
When reading, a message appears that the file was encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted DBF files can be used by the device on which they were encrypted, on any other device it is required to have the appropriate cryptographic key and decrypt the file before its recovery.
The operating system protects files in some locations (e.g. the root of the system partition) against unauthorized access. These directories are write-protected to them and it's very hard to fix this problem. If possible, you can try to move the DBF file to another location.
This problem only occurs with more complex files. In this case, the DBF file is blocked by the first application to open it. Closing other programs should help. If the error persists after closing other programs, wait for a while. Antivirus programs or a backup being made may lock the file for a while without the user's knowledge. If nothing helps, please reset the device.
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