How to Retrieve .SDB Files from Formatted Hard Disks on Windows

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

How to Retrieve .SDB Files from Formatted Hard Disks on Windows
Data Recovery Tool

What is a .SDB file?

Database that contains additional Windows registry information; patches the registry to make it compatible with newly installed applications; can be installed on an individual system or on multiple systems over a network.

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

There are several common causes of ".SDB" file loss or failure:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete ".SDB" files while organizing or cleaning up their files, leading to their loss.
  2. Software or hardware issues: Issues with the software or hardware can cause ".SDB" files to become corrupted or inaccessible. This can occur due to system crashes, power outages, or compatibility issues.
  3. Virus or malware attacks: Malicious software can infect and damage ".SDB" files, making them unreadable or causing them to be deleted.
  4. File system errors: Errors in the file system, such as disk errors or file system corruption, can result in the loss or failure of ".SDB" files.
  5. Improper file handling: Mishandling or improper operations while working with ".SDB" files, such as forceful shutdowns or abrupt removal of storage devices, can lead to file loss or corruption.
  6. Software conflicts: Conflicts between different software applications or incompatible software versions can cause ".SDB" files to become inaccessible or fail.
  7. Human error: Mistakes made by users, such as accidental formatting of storage devices or overwriting ".SDB" files with incorrect data, can result in file loss or failure.
  8. Physical damage: Physical damage to storage devices, such as hard drives or memory cards, can cause ".SDB" files to become inaccessible or lost.

It is important to regularly back up ".SDB" files to prevent loss and to use reliable data recovery tools in case of accidental deletion or file failure.

How to recover lost ".SDB" 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 ".SDB" file may be deleted.

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🧺 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 ".SDB" file is always to create it once more.

Use programs for recovering ".SDB" 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 ".SDB" 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.
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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 ".SDB" 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 ".SDB" extension?

Looking for how to open a stereo custom Application Compatibility Database image file file?

Programs that open ".SDB" files

Windows
Microsoft Compatibility Database Installer Tool Microsoft Compatibility Database Installer Tool

Additional Information

  • File type: Custom Application Compatibility Database

  • File extension: .SDB

  • Developer: Microsoft

  • Category: System Files

  • Format: N/A

  • Mime-type: application/octet-stream

  • HEX: 53 41 50 32 30 30 30 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20

  • ASCII: SAP2000

  • File types that use the extension .SDB:

    • Custom Application Compatibility Database

    • SAP2000 Model File

    • MonKey Office SQLite Database File

    • OpenOffice.org Base Database File

    • SparkleDB Database File

    • SocialDecks Blog File

    • ServerBoss Database File

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 16:40 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .SDB 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 causes of problems when opening .SDB files and how can they be fixed?

    There can be several common causes of problems when opening .SDB files, and here are a few possible solutions to fix them:

    1. Outdated software: If you are using an outdated or incompatible software to open .SDB files, it may result in errors. Ensure that you have the latest version of the software installed, or try using a different program that is compatible with .SDB files.
    2. File corruption: If the .SDB file is corrupted or damaged, it may cause problems while opening. In such cases, you can try to restore the file from a backup if available. Alternatively, you can attempt to repair the file using specialized file repair tools or software.
    3. Incorrect file association: If your computer is not correctly associating .SDB files with the appropriate program, you may encounter errors. To fix this, you can manually change the file association settings. Right-click on the .SDB file, select "Open with," and choose the correct program to open it.
    4. Insufficient permissions: If you do not have the necessary permissions to access or open the .SDB file, you may encounter issues. Ensure that you have the required permissions, especially if the file is located in a system or protected directory.
    5. Incompatible operating system: Sometimes, .SDB files may not be fully compatible with your operating system. In such cases, you can try running the file in compatibility mode. Right-click on the file, go to "Properties," and under the "Compatibility" tab, choose an earlier version of the operating system.
    6. Virus or malware infection: If your .SDB file is infected with a virus or malware, it may prevent it from opening or cause other issues. Run a full system scan using reliable antivirus software to detect and remove any infections.

    If none of these solutions work, it is advisable to consult the software provider or seek technical support for further assistance.

  • Are there any specific software or tools available to troubleshoot and repair issues with opening .SDB files?

    Yes, there are several software and tools available to troubleshoot and repair issues with opening .SDB files. Here are a few options:

    1. Microsoft Application Compatibility Toolkit (ACT): ACT is a free tool provided by Microsoft that helps diagnose and resolve application compatibility issues, including problems with opening .SDB files. It allows you to create custom compatibility fixes and apply them to specific applications.
    2. Compatibility Administrator: This is another tool provided by Microsoft as part of the Application Compatibility Toolkit. It allows you to create custom compatibility databases (.SDB files) to fix compatibility issues with specific applications. You can use it to troubleshoot and repair issues with opening .SDB files.
    3. SDB Explorer: SDB Explorer is a commercial software specifically designed for working with .SDB files. It provides a user-friendly interface to view, edit, and repair .SDB files. It supports all versions of the Windows Compatibility Database format and offers advanced features for troubleshooting and repairing compatibility issues.
    4. Compatibility Fixes Manager: This tool is also part of the Application Compatibility Toolkit and helps you manage and apply compatibility fixes for applications. It allows you to troubleshoot and repair issues with opening .SDB files by applying pre-defined compatibility fixes or creating custom fixes.
    5. Third-party file repair utilities: There are various third-party software available that claim to repair file issues, including problems with opening .SDB files. Some popular options include File Repair, FileASSASSIN, and File Repair Toolkit. However, it's important to note that the effectiveness of these tools may vary, so it's recommended to use them cautiously and ensure you have a backup of your files before attempting any repairs.

    Before using any software or tool, it's advisable to back up your .SDB files to avoid any potential data loss.

  • Are there any alternative file formats or methods that can be used to open .SDB files if the problem persists?

    Yes, there are alternative file formats and methods that can be used to open .SDB files if the problem persists. Some possible solutions include:

    1. Convert the .SDB file to a different file format that is more widely supported. This can be done using file conversion software or online file conversion tools.
    2. Use a different software program that is capable of opening .SDB files. Sometimes, different software applications have varying levels of compatibility with certain file formats.
    3. Try opening the .SDB file using a text editor or a hex editor. This method may allow you to view the contents of the file, although it might not provide a user-friendly interface for accessing the data.
    4. Contact the software developer or support team associated with the application that created the .SDB file. They may be able to provide assistance or suggest a solution specific to their software.
    5. If the .SDB file is associated with a specific database management system, try using the corresponding software to open and access the file. For example, if it is an SQL Server Compact Edition database file, you can try using Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio or other compatible database management software.

    Remember to always exercise caution when trying alternative file formats or methods, as they may not always be successful or may lead to data corruption.
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