.WDB File Extension

Microsoft Works Database

Developer	Microsoft
Popularity	Average rating 3.4 / 5. Vote count: 17
Category	Database Files
Format	.WDB
Cross Platform	Update Soon

What is an WDB file?

.WDB files are database files created by Microsoft Works, a discontinued office suite developed by Microsoft. These files were primarily used to store structured data in a simple database format and were commonly used in the late 1980s through the early 2000s.

More Information.

The initial purpose of the .WDB file was to provide users with an easy-to-use database solution within the Microsoft Works suite.

The database component allowed users to create and manage lists, contact information, inventory records, and other types of structured data without the complexity of more advanced database software like Microsoft Access.

Microsoft Works and the .WDB file format gained popularity due to their simplicity and integration with other Works applications such as the word processor and spreadsheet.

Origin Of This File.

The .WDB file extension is associated with Microsoft Works Database, a component of the Microsoft Works suite. Microsoft Works was first introduced in 1987 as a lightweight alternative to Microsoft Office, aimed at home and small business users.

File Structure Technical Specification.

.WDB files are structured in a proprietary format developed by Microsoft. They typically contain:

Header Information: Metadata about the file, such as version information and structure definitions.
Data Records: Rows of data entries, where each record corresponds to a single entry in the database.
Field Definitions: Information about the fields (columns), such as field names, data types, and constraints.
Index Data: Optional indexes for faster data retrieval.

How to Convert the File?

Windows:

Using Microsoft Works:
- Open the .WDB file in Microsoft Works.
- Export the data to a different format like CSV or Excel.
Third-Party Conversion Tools:
- Install and use software like ABC Amber Works Converter to convert .WDB files to other formats.
Online Conversion Services:
- Visit websites offering file conversion services and upload the .WDB file for conversion to a supported format.

Linux:

WINE:
- Install WINE (Windows compatibility layer) on Linux.
- Install Microsoft Works using WINE.
- Open the .WDB file in Microsoft Works and export it to a supported format.
LibreOffice Base:
- Convert the .WDB file to a supported format using another system.
- Open LibreOffice Base on Linux and import the converted file.
Conversion Tools:
- Use command-line tools like mdbtools to convert .WDB files to a format compatible with Linux applications.

macOS:

Virtual Machine:
- Use virtualization software like VMware or Parallels to run a Windows virtual machine.
- Install Microsoft Works within the virtual machine and open the .WDB file.
CrossOver:
- Use CrossOver (a commercial version of WINE) on macOS to run Microsoft Works.
- Open the .WDB file in Microsoft Works and export it to a supported format.
Conversion Tools:
- Convert the .WDB file on another system to a format compatible with macOS applications.
- Open the converted file with applications like Numbers or Excel for macOS.

Android:

Remote Access:
- Use remote desktop apps to access a Windows PC where Microsoft Works is installed.
- Open the .WDB file in Microsoft Works and export it to a compatible format.
File Conversion:
- Convert the .WDB file on a Windows PC to a format like Excel or CSV.
- Transfer the converted file to your Android device and open it with a compatible app like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets.

iOS:

Remote Desktop:
- Utilize remote desktop apps to access a Windows computer with Microsoft Works.
- Open the .WDB file in Microsoft Works and export it to a compatible format.
Converted Files:
- Convert the .WDB file on another system to a format like Excel or CSV.
- Transfer the converted file to your iOS device and open it with apps like Numbers or Microsoft Excel for iOS.

Others:

Online File Viewers:
- Explore web-based services that support .WDB file viewing and conversion.
- Upload the .WDB file to the service for conversion to a compatible format.
Remote Access:
- Access a computer with Microsoft Works installed using remote desktop solutions.
- Open the .WDB file in Microsoft Works on the remote computer and export it to a format accessible on your device.

Advantages And Disadvantages.

Advantages:

Simplicity: Easy to use for non-technical users.
Integration: Worked seamlessly with other Microsoft Works applications.
Low Resource Requirements: Suitable for older and less powerful computers.

Disadvantages:

Proprietary Format: Lack of support in non-Microsoft software.
Limited Functionality: Less powerful compared to full-fledged database management systems.
Obsolescence: Microsoft Works and .WDB files are no longer supported by Microsoft, making it difficult to use on modern systems.

               How to Open WDB?
                  Open In Windows
                  Microsoft Works: Directly open .WDB files if you have Microsoft Works installed.
Microsoft Access: Later versions of Access can import .WDB files.
Conversion Tools: Use third-party software to convert .WDB to a supported format, then open with the appropriate application.

                  Open In Linux
                  WINE: Install Microsoft Works via WINE and open .WDB files.
LibreOffice Base: Convert .WDB files to a supported format using another system and import into LibreOffice Base.
Conversion Tools: Use tools like mdbtools or online converters to change the format.

                  Open In MAC
                  Virtual Machine: Run a Windows VM with Microsoft Works.
CrossOver: Use CrossOver (a commercial version of WINE) to run Microsoft Works.
Conversion Tools: Convert the .WDB file on another system to a format compatible with Mac applications.

                  Open In Android
                  Remote Access: Access a Windows PC remotely with Microsoft Works installed.
File Conversion: Convert the .WDB file on a PC to a format like Excel or CSV, then open with an Android app.

                  Open In IOS
                  Remote Desktop: Access a Windows computer with Microsoft Works using remote desktop apps.
Converted Files: Open converted files (Excel or CSV) with apps like Numbers or Excel for iOS.

                  Open in Others
                  Online File Viewers: Use web-based services that support .WDB file viewing and conversion.
Remote Access: Similar to Android and iOS, access a computer with the necessary software installed.