File extension DBF
| File type | Common Database Format |
| Developer | dBASE |
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What is a DBF file?
The extension .DBF belongs to the standard database files of the DBMS system dBASE. These are special database files that organize the data in the form of records and the attributes stored in an array data structure. It was used widely in the earlier times given its simplicity and ability to store structured data.
The file format is partially open compatible in the sense that along with the dBASE database management system, it also integrates seemlessly with other Xbased DBMS.The data from a .DBF file can be exported in one of the open formats like CSV files using dbfexport functionality in the dBASE system.
Program(s) that can open the .DBF file
Windows
Mac OS
Linux
How to open DBF files
If you cannot open the DBF file on your computer - there may be several reasons. The first and most important reason (the most common) is the lack of a suitable software that supports DBF among those that are installed on your device.
A very simple way to solve this problem is to find and download the appropriate application. The first part of the task has already been done – the software supporting the DBF file can be found in the table. Now just download and install the appropriate application.
Possible problems with the DBF format files
The inability to open and operate the DBF file does not necessarily mean that you do not have an appropriate software installed on your computer. There may be other problems that also block our ability to operate the Common Database Format file. Below is a list of possible problems.
- Corruption of a DBF file which is being opened
- Incorrect links to the DBF file in registry entries.
- Accidental deletion of the description of the DBF from the Windows registry
- Incomplete installation of an application that supports the DBF format
- The DBF file which is being opened is infected with an undesirable malware.
- The computer does not have enough hardware resources to cope with the opening of the DBF file.
- Drivers of equipment used by the computer to open a DBF file are out of date.
If you are sure that all of these reasons do not exist in your case (or have already been eliminated), the DBF file should operate with your programs without any problem. If the problem with the DBF file has not been solved, it may be due to the fact that in this case there is also another rare problem with the DBF file. In this case, the only you can do is to ask for assistance of a professional staff.
Similar extensions
| .abs | Absolute Database Single-file Database Format |
| .accdb | Microsoft Access 2007/2010 Database Format |
| .accdc | Microsoft Access 2007/2010 Digitally Signed Database Format |
| .accde | Microsoft Access 2007/2010 Compiled Execute Only Format |
| .accdr | Microsoft Access 2007/2010 Runtime Mode Database Format |
| .accdt | Microsoft Access 2007/2010 Database Template Format |
| .accdw | Microsoft Access Link Format |
| .accft | Microsoft Access Template Format |
How to associate the file with an installed software?
If you want to associate a file with a new program (e.g. my-file.DBF) you have two ways to do it. The first and the easiest one is to right-click on the selected DBF file. From the drop-down menu select "Choose default program", then click "Browse" and find the desired program. The whole operation must be confirmed by clicking OK. The second and more difficult to do is associate the DBF file extension to the corresponding software in the Windows Registry.
Is there one way to open unknown files?
Many files contain only simple text data. It is possible that while opening unknown files (e.g. DBF) with a simple text editor like Windows Notepad will allow us to see some of the data encoded in the file. This method allows you to preview the contents of many files, but probably not in such a structure as a program dedicated to support them.