WDB File Extension

Microsoft Works Database

File Type wdb
Developer Microsoft
Popularity
4.9 (34 votes)
Application Microsoft Works
Category Database Files
Format Binary

What is a WDB file?

Files with the WDB extension are specifically tied to Microsoft Works Database, a Database Files type, and there are 266 files in this category.

The Microsoft Works Database (WDB) was created by Microsoft, a company that developed file format and produced 242 programs for their use.

WDB files are supported by Windows. If you need to open a WDB file, you can use one of 2 programs, such as Microsoft Works and Works Database Converter.

MIME types

application/vnd.ms-works-db
application/x-msworks-db
zz-application/zz-winassoc-wdb
application/vnd.ms-works

Programs that support WDB files

Windows ²

Windows

How to open a WDB file?

If you’re having difficulty opening a WDB file, it is often due to not having the correct software. To solve the problem, choose a compatible program from the list. Then follow the link to the official developer site, download the software, and install it on your device.

Microsoft Works and Works Database Converter stand out as the preferred programs to manage WDB files effectively. To install the latest version of Microsoft Works on your computer, visit the Microsoft website where you can download the version available for all operating systems.

After installation, your operating system should automatically open WDB files with Microsoft Works.

Set Microsoft Works as the default WDB handler

Choose an app to open a file on Mac

Right click or use Control + left click on the desired WDB file to launch the file options menu;
Choose "Open in Application" and click "Other";
Next, at the bottom of the window, you will see the "Enable" menu, in which "Recommended Programs" is selected by default;
In this menu, select "All Programs", then find Microsoft Works and check the box next to "Always open in the application."

Set default programs for Windows

Start by right-clicking on your WDB file, then select "Open With" and continue by clicking "Choose another app" from the options provided;
In the pop-up window, find and select the Microsoft Works application from the available options;
Make sure the "Always use this app" checkbox is checked and click "OK" to confirm your choice as the default app for opening WDB files.

Convert files to and from WDB

If you have trouble working with a WDB file, try converting it to CSV, RTF, XLS, DOC, XLSX or similar database files.

Be aware that converting a WDB file may reduce some features, but you can usually revert it to the original format.

Convert WDB to other file formats

Effective solutions for WDB file problems

There are some common issues with WDB files that can be resolved easily by making minor adjustments to your software. Below, you’ll find these issues along with practical troubleshooting tips.

What are the methods to detect if my WDB file has been corrupted?

WDB database files that have become corrupted may display one or more of the following symptoms:

An unexplained increase in the size of the WDB file;
Trying to work with the archive in Microsoft Works or other programs causes instability or program crashes;
The file does not open correctly or displays error messages;
While working with the file, error alerts are encountered;
The file exhibits poor performance during editing operations in Microsoft Works;

Why does Microsoft Works crash?

Insufficient software updates can contribute to Microsoft Works crash. To avoid this, make sure that you have installed the latest updates for Microsoft products.

Restarting your computer can resolve numerous common problems, so it should be the initial step before changing any software-related settings.

How to repair a corrupted WDB file?

Open the damaged WDB file in a recovery program and select the "Repair" menu item to start the repair operation. Please wait patiently for the recovery process to finish as it will automatically repair the damaged database files.

How to edit a WDB file?

To make changes to WDB files, you need specialized software that allows both opening and editing the database files. Online WDB editors offer fewer capabilities than applications optimized for Microsoft Works Database.

Best WDB editors 2026

Based on these criteria, we have prepared a list of available WDB editors.

WDB Editor Software	Developer	Platforms	Overall Rating
Microsoft Works	Microsoft	Windows	4.9 out of 5 (42 reviews)

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