Tips to open SDF file

Can't open the SDF file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open SDF files as well as a list of programs that support SDF files.

SDF file extension

File Name Standard Data Format
File Category Data Files

The SDF file is supported on 1 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the SDF files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the SDF file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 4
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is SDF file?

The .SDF file is a database file. However, it is not a typical database. It plays a transmission role. It stores data in a structured formula and information on semi-used types. This allows you to freely export data and import them to another database, even if it works in a different system. This method should be treated as one-sided, because each database engine can save the fields in a different form, making the data incompatible. The .SDF file itself is not used as a database.

How to open SDF file?

The main problem with Standard Data Format is that the SDF file is incorrectly associated with programs. Thus, when you open SDF, the program selection wizard or some other program starts. How to solve such a problem?

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the SDF 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 Pervasive PSQL

An often overlooked issue is to make sure that Pervasive PSQL is installed on the computer. This can be achieved by typing Pervasive PSQL into the operating system search engine. If it is not, installation may solve the problem, as most applications create file associations during installation. Later in this article you will find a list of programs that can open SDF files.

Step 2. Create association of Pervasive PSQL with SDF files

However, it may happen that the application itself does not cause the SDF file to open in the Pervasive PSQL application, but you can set it manually. This option is available from the level of Properties of a specific file available in the context menu. Information about the file and the program that the file is associated with are available here. Changes can be made using the "Change" button. 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 SDF file with the Pervasive PSQL program.

Step 3. Update Pervasive PSQL to the latest version

If, however, after binding Pervasive PSQL with Standard Data Format there were still problems, you should update the program to the latest version.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the SDF file

If the above steps do not help, you can assume that the file itself is not correct. The most common file problems are:

The SDF file may be unusually small compared to the original file. This suggests truncating the SDF file contents when downloading or copying. The only repair option is to download the file again.
The operating system may be infected with a computer virus. Perform a virus scan using available and up-to-date anti-virus software. If this is not possible, you can use the online scanner. However, it is important to scan the entire system, not only the file SDF or the program directory. Sometimes virus-infected SDF files cannot be recovered, so make a backup in advance.
Older version of SDF file may not always be supported by the latest software version. 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.
The file may be corrupted in a number of ways. Repairing is very dependent on the file type. Some programs offer the ability to automatically repair SDF file corruption.
The program indicates that the file is encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted SDF files cannot be played on other computers than the one on which they were encrypted, they must be decrypted before using on another device.
The operating system protects files in some locations (e.g. the root of the system partition) against unauthorized access. While there is usually no problem reading such a file, it may not be possible to save it. Copying the SDF file to another location will fix the problem.
This problem only occurs with more complex files. In this case, the SDF file is blocked by the first application to open it. Just close unnecessary programs. If the error persists after closing other programs, wait for a while. Some anti-virus or backup software may occupy the SDF file for a certain period of time. If the problem persists, restart the machine.