How to Recover .MDB Files Using Professional Tools on Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS

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 .MDB file recovery guide for Windows, MacOS, Android and IOS in 2024.

How to Recover .MDB Files Using Professional Tools on Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS
Data Recovery Tool

What is a .MDB file?

An MDB file is a database file created by Microsoft Access, a widely-used desktop relational database program. It contains the database structure (tables and fields) and database entries (table rows). MDB files may also store data entry forms, queries, stored procedures, reports, and database security settings.

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

There are several common causes of ".MDB" (Microsoft Access database) files lost or failure:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete the ".MDB" file or the folder containing it, leading to its loss.
  2. Hardware or system failure: Hard drive crashes, power outages, or other hardware failures can corrupt or damage the ".MDB" file, making it inaccessible.
  3. Software bugs or errors: Issues with the Microsoft Access software itself, such as bugs or errors, can cause ".MDB" files to become corrupted or fail.
  4. Virus or malware attacks: Malicious software can infect and damage ".MDB" files, rendering them unusable or causing data loss.
  5. File system corruption: Problems with the file system, such as improper shutdowns or disk errors, can corrupt ".MDB" files.
  6. Improper handling or closing of the database: If the ".MDB" file is not closed properly or if there is a sudden interruption while accessing or modifying the database, it can lead to corruption or failure.
  7. Incompatibility issues: Upgrading or migrating to a new version of Microsoft Access or using incompatible software can cause ".MDB" files to become incompatible or fail.
  8. Human error: Mistakes made by users, such as accidental overwriting, incorrect data manipulation, or improper database management, can result in ".MDB" file failure.

It is important to regularly backup ".MDB" files to prevent data loss and to use reliable antivirus software to protect against malware attacks.

How to recover lost ".MDB" 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 ".MDB" 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 ".MDB" file is always to create it once more.

Use programs for recovering ".MDB" 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 ".MDB" 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™ 4.9
The tool recovers data from any devices, regardless of the cause of data loss.
Download

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 ".MDB" 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 ".MDB" extension?

Looking for how to open a stereo microsoft Access Database image file file?

Programs that open ".MDB" files

Windows
Microsoft Access 2019 Microsoft Access 2019
SAS Institute SAS SAS Institute SAS
Wolfram Research Mathematica Wolfram Research Mathematica
Freewind MDB Converter Freewind MDB Converter
Microsoft Visual Studio 2019 Microsoft Visual Studio 2019
MDB Viewer Plus MDB Viewer Plus
Mac
MDB Viewer MDB Viewer
Wolfram Research Mathematica Wolfram Research Mathematica
Linux
Kexi Kexi
SAS Institute SAS SAS Institute SAS
mdb-export mdb-export
Web
MDBopener.com MDBopener.com

Additional Information

  • File type: Microsoft Access Database

  • File extension: .MDB

  • Developer: Microsoft

  • Category: Database Files

  • Format: Binary

  • Mime-type: application/x-msaccess

  • HEX: 00 01 00 00 53 74 61 6E 64 61 72 64 20 4A 65 74 20 44 42 00

  • ASCII: Standard Jet DB

  • File types that use the extension .MDB:

    • Microsoft Access Database

    • Avid Media Database

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 12:48 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .MDB 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 are the common reasons for encountering problems when opening .MDB files?

    There can be several common reasons for encountering problems when opening .MDB files:

    1. File Corruption: If the .MDB file is corrupted or damaged, it may not open properly. This can occur due to various reasons like unexpected system shutdown, software errors, or storage device issues.
    2. Incompatible Software: If you are trying to open the .MDB file with an incompatible or outdated software application, it may result in errors. Ensure that you are using the appropriate software that supports .MDB files, such as Microsoft Access.
    3. Access Privileges: If you do not have sufficient access privileges or permissions to open the .MDB file, you may encounter problems. Make sure you have the necessary permissions to access the file.
    4. Missing or Outdated Software Components: If the required software components or drivers associated with .MDB files are missing or outdated, it can lead to issues. Ensure that you have the latest updates and necessary components installed.
    5. File Associations: If the file association for .MDB files is incorrect or misconfigured, it may cause problems when opening the file. Check the file association settings and ensure they are correctly associated with the appropriate software.
    6. Virus or Malware Infection: If the .MDB file is infected with a virus or malware, it can prevent it from opening correctly. Scan the file for any potential threats and ensure your system is protected.
    7. File Size Limitations: Sometimes, if the .MDB file exceeds the size limitations of the software or storage system, it may result in problems while opening. Check the file size limitations and consider splitting the file if necessary.
    8. Database Corruption: If the .MDB file contains a corrupt database structure or data, it can lead to issues. Running database repair tools or seeking professional assistance may help in resolving such problems.

    It is recommended to create regular backups of .MDB files to avoid data loss and to minimize the impact of encountering problems while opening them.

  • What are some troubleshooting steps to fix issues with opening .MDB files?
    1. Check if the .MDB file is corrupted: Try opening the file on another computer or try opening a different .MDB file on your computer to see if the issue is specific to that file.
    2. Ensure you have the necessary software: Make sure you have Microsoft Access or any other compatible software installed on your computer to open .MDB files. If not, download and install the appropriate software.
    3. Update your software: If you already have the necessary software installed, ensure it is up to date. Check for any available updates and install them.
    4. Check file associations: Verify that the .MDB file is associated with the correct software. Right-click on the file, select "Open with," and choose the appropriate software. You can also set the default program for .MDB files in the settings of your operating system.
    5. Repair Microsoft Access installation: If you are using Microsoft Access to open .MDB files, try repairing the installation. Go to the Control Panel, find Microsoft Access in the list of installed programs, and select the option to repair the installation.
    6. Try opening in a different version of Microsoft Access: If you have multiple versions of Microsoft Access installed, try opening the .MDB file in a different version to see if it resolves the issue.
    7. Use a file repair tool: There are various third-party file repair tools available that can help fix corrupted .MDB files. Research and try using a reputable tool to repair the file.
    8. Recover from a backup: If you have a backup of the .MDB file, try restoring it from the backup to see if the issue is resolved.
    9. Contact technical support: If none of the above steps work, consider reaching out to the software's technical support team or the file creator for assistance. They may have specific troubleshooting steps or solutions for your particular issue.
  • Are there any specific software or tools that can help in resolving problems with opening .MDB files?

    Yes, there are several software and tools that can help in resolving problems with opening .MDB files. Here are a few options:

    1. Microsoft Access: The primary software used to open .MDB files is Microsoft Access itself. Ensure that you have the latest version of Microsoft Access installed on your computer and try opening the file using this software.
    2. Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack: If you are using an older version of Microsoft Access or do not have Access installed, you can try installing the Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack. It allows older versions of Microsoft Office to open and edit files created in newer versions.
    3. MDB Viewer Plus: It is a free tool that allows you to open and edit .MDB files without requiring Microsoft Access. It provides a simple interface to view and modify the data in the database.
    4. OpenOffice Base: OpenOffice Base is a free and open-source alternative to Microsoft Access. It can also open .MDB files and provides similar functionality for working with databases.
    5. MDB Opener: MDB Opener is a lightweight and free tool specifically designed to open .MDB files. It allows you to view the tables, forms, reports, and other objects within the database.
    6. Online MDB File Viewer: There are several online services available that allow you to upload and view .MDB files without requiring any software installation. Some popular options include Zamzar, Online File Viewer, and Online Convert.

    Remember to exercise caution when downloading and installing software from the internet. Always ensure that you download from trusted sources and have reliable antivirus software installed to scan the files.
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