How to Restore .CDB Files After System Failures and Crashes

Have files been deleted due to a user’s error or software error? Have you formatted a disk by accident and need to know how to recover the files? Read our .CDB file recovery guide for Windows, MacOS, Android and IOS in 2025.

How to Restore .CDB Files After System Failures and Crashes
Data Recovery Tool

What is a .CDB file?

Database file created by Symbian OS mobile devices, such as Nokia phones; contains phonebook contacts, including names, addresses, and phone numbers; used to backup and synchronize contacts between a computer and a Symbian OS device.

What Are Common Causes of ".CDB" Files Lost or Failure?

There are several common causes of ".CDB" files lost or failure:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete the ".CDB" files while performing file management tasks, such as cleaning up the system or removing unnecessary files.
  2. Software or hardware issues: Malfunctioning software or hardware components, such as hard drives or storage devices, can lead to data corruption or loss, including ".CDB" files.
  3. Virus or malware attack: Malicious software can infect and corrupt files on a computer, including ".CDB" files.
  4. Power outages or system crashes: Sudden power outages or system crashes can interrupt the file saving process, leading to data loss or corruption, including ".CDB" files.
  5. Software conflicts: Conflicts between different software applications or incompatible software versions can result in file corruption or loss, including ".CDB" files.
  6. Improper file handling: Improper handling of ".CDB" files, such as force closing the application or abruptly disconnecting storage devices, can cause file corruption or loss.
  7. Operating system errors: Errors within the operating system can lead to file system issues, resulting in the loss or corruption of ".CDB" files.
  8. File system errors: Issues with the file system, such as file system corruption or errors, can cause ".CDB" files to become inaccessible or lost.
  9. Human error: Human mistakes, such as accidental formatting of storage devices or improper file manipulation, can lead to the loss of ".CDB" files.
  10. Natural disasters: Natural disasters like floods, fires, or earthquakes can physically damage storage devices and result in the loss of ".CDB" files.

How to recover lost ".CDB" files?

Sometimes while working with a computer, laptop or other stationary or mobile devices, you may encounter various bugs, freezes, hardware or software failures, even in spite of regular updates and junk cleaning. As a result, an important ".CDB" file may be deleted.

Go to view
🧺 How to Recover Files and Folders After Sending Them to the Recycle Bin and Deleting? (Windows 11)

🧺 How to Recover Files and Folders After Sending Them to the Recycle Bin and Deleting? (Windows 11)

By no means should you think that the only way to recover a ".CDB" file is always to create it once more.

Use programs for recovering ".CDB" files if a file was lost after accidental or deliberate deleting, formatting the memory card or the internal storage, cleaning the storage device, after a virus attack or a system failure.

Programs to recover ".CDB" files

Looking for a way to get files back? In cases when files were deleted and they cannot be restored by using standard operating system tools, use Hetman Partition Recovery.

Partition Recovery™ 5.0
The tool recovers data from any devices, regardless of the cause of data loss.
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Follow the directions below:

  1. Download Hetman Partition Recovery, install and start the program.

  2. The program will automatically scan the computer and display all hard disks and removable drives connected to it, as well as physical and local disks.

    File Recovery Software

  3. Double-click on the disk from which you need to recover ".CDB" files, and select analysis type.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Analysis Type

  4. When the scanning is over, you will be shown the files for recovery.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Files that Can be Restored

  5. To find a file you need, use the program’s interface to open the folder it was deleted from, or go to the folder "Content-Aware Analysis" and select the required file type.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Deep Scan

  6. Select the files you have been looking for and click "Recovery".

    File Recovery Software - Files List for Recovery

  7. Choose one of the methods for saving the files and recover them.

    Saving recovered files in Hetman Partition Recovery

How to open file with ".CDB" extension?

Looking for how to open a stereo symbian Phonebook Database image file file?

Programs that open ".CDB" files

Windows
Nokia PC Suite Nokia PC Suite
Nokisoft Noki Nokisoft Noki
Mac
Nokia PC Suite Nokia PC Suite

Additional Information

  • File type: Symbian Phonebook Database

  • File extension: .CDB

  • Developer: Nokia

  • Category: Database Files

  • Format: Binary

  • HEX: 00

  • File types that use the extension .CDB:

    • Symbian Phonebook Database

    • CardScan Contacts Database

    • Pocket Access Database

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We will be happy to answer your questions!

Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 13:32 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .CDB files after deleting, cleaning or formatting!
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Vladimir Artiukh

Author: Vladimir Artiukh, Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Oleg Afonin

Editor: Oleg Afonin, Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

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Questions and answers

  • What is a .CDB file extension and what does it stand for?

    The .CDB file extension stands for "Card Database." It is commonly associated with Microsoft Windows' Contact Database files, which are used by various applications to store contact information, such as names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses. These files are typically created and used by email clients, address books, and personal information management software.

  • How can I open a .CDB file on my computer?

    To open a .CDB file on your computer, you can follow these steps:

    1. Install a database management software: .CDB files are typically associated with Microsoft Access or CorelDRAW. If you have Microsoft Access installed, you can use it to open .CDB files. If you don't have either of these programs, you can download and install a database management software like MDB Viewer Plus (for Microsoft Access files) or CDBF - DBF Viewer and Editor (for CorelDRAW files).
    2. Locate the .CDB file: Find the .CDB file on your computer. You can do this by navigating to the folder where the file is saved.
    3. Open the .CDB file: Right-click on the .CDB file and select "Open With" from the context menu. Choose the database management software you installed, such as Microsoft Access, MDB Viewer Plus, or CDBF - DBF Viewer and Editor.
    4. Follow the software's instructions: Once you've selected the appropriate program, the software will guide you through the process of opening the .CDB file. This may involve selecting the file type, specifying the database structure, or providing login credentials if applicable.
    5. Access and manipulate the data: After successfully opening the .CDB file, you can view, edit, and work with the data stored within it using the features and tools provided by the database management software.

    Note: It's essential to ensure that you have the necessary permissions to access and open the .CDB file. Additionally, it's always a good practice to create a backup copy of the file before making any changes to avoid accidental data loss.

  • Are there any specific software programs or applications required to access and view the contents of a .CDB file?

    Yes, there are specific software programs or applications required to access and view the contents of a .CDB file. One such program is Microsoft Access, which is commonly used to open and work with .CDB files. Additionally, there are other third-party tools available that can open and view .CDB files, such as CDBF - DBF Viewer and Editor, CDBF for Windows, and CDBF - DBF Viewer and Editor for Mac. These tools allow you to view and manipulate the data stored in .CDB files.
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