What Causes .WDB File Loss During Disk Formatting and How to Recover

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

What Causes .WDB File Loss During Disk Formatting and How to Recover
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What is a .WDB file?

Database created with the Microsoft Works database program; similar to an Access Database (.MDB file), but with more limitations; uses a proprietary data format that cannot be opened by MS Access.

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

There can be several common causes of ".WDB" (Microsoft Works Database) files being lost or experiencing failure. Some of these causes include:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete the ".WDB" files while cleaning up their computer or organizing their files.
  2. File system corruption: Issues with the file system, such as disk errors or corruption, can lead to the loss or failure of ".WDB" files.
  3. Software or hardware issues: Problems with software or hardware components, such as a sudden power outage, system crash, or faulty hard drive, can result in the loss or corruption of ".WDB" files.
  4. Virus or malware attacks: Malicious software can infect and damage ".WDB" files, making them inaccessible or causing them to fail.
  5. Improper shutdown: Forcefully shutting down the computer without properly closing the ".WDB" files or the application using them can lead to file corruption or loss.
  6. Software conflicts: Incompatibility or conflicts between different software applications can sometimes cause ".WDB" files to become unreadable or fail.
  7. Human error: Mistakes made by users, such as accidental formatting of the storage device containing the ".WDB" files or improper handling of the files, can result in their loss or failure.

It is always recommended to regularly back up important files, including ".WDB" files, to prevent data loss in case of any unforeseen events.

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

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

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

Programs that open ".WDB" files

Windows
Microsoft Works Microsoft Works
CodeAlchemists Works Database Converter CodeAlchemists Works Database Converter
LibreOffice LibreOffice
Mac
LawBox LLC WDB Viewer Pro LawBox LLC WDB Viewer Pro
LibreOffice LibreOffice
Linux
LibreOffice LibreOffice

Additional Information

  • File type: Microsoft Works Database

  • File extension: .WDB

  • Developer: Microsoft

  • Category: Database Files

  • Format: Binary

  • Mime-type: application/octet-stream

  • HEX: D0 CF 11 E0 A1 B1 1A E1 00

  • ASCII: РП.а...б

  • File types that use the extension .WDB:

    • Microsoft Works Database

    • Blizzard World of Warcraft Database File

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 11:41 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .WDB 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 the purpose of the .WDB format and what type of data does it typically store?

    The .WDB format is a file format used by Microsoft Works, which is a discontinued productivity software suite. The purpose of the .WDB format is to store data in a structured manner for use in the Works database application.

    The .WDB format typically stores various types of data, including text, numbers, dates, and other basic data types. It allows users to create and manage simple databases, similar to a spreadsheet or basic database management system. The data stored in .WDB files can be organized into tables, with each table containing multiple records and fields.

    The Works database application allows users to perform basic data management tasks such as sorting, filtering, querying, and creating simple reports based on the data stored in .WDB files. However, due to the discontinuation of Microsoft Works, the .WDB format is no longer widely used, and users have transitioned to other database software such as Microsoft Access or other spreadsheet applications.

  • Are there any specific software applications or programs that are commonly used to open and work with .WDB files?

    Microsoft Access is the most commonly used software application to open and work with .WDB files. It is a relational database management system that allows users to create, manipulate, and analyze databases. Other software applications that can open .WDB files include LibreOffice Base, which is a free and open-source alternative to Microsoft Access, and OpenOffice Base, which is another open-source database management system.

  • Can the .WDB format be easily converted to other file formats, and if so, what are some common conversion methods or tools available for this purpose?

    The .WDB format refers to the Microsoft Works Database file format. Converting it to other file formats can be a bit challenging as it is not widely supported by modern software. However, there are a few methods and tools you can try:

    1. Microsoft Access: If you have access to Microsoft Access, you can try opening the .WDB file and then exporting it to a more common format like .CSV (Comma Separated Values) or .XLS (Microsoft Excel).
    2. Online conversion tools: Some websites offer online conversion services for various file formats. You can search for "WDB to [desired format] converter" to find these tools. However, be cautious while using online tools and ensure they are reputable and trustworthy.
    3. Third-party software: There are a few third-party software applications available that claim to convert .WDB files to other formats. Examples include ABC Amber Works Converter and Birdie Access to Excel Converter. These tools often require a purchase or offer limited functionality in their free versions.
    4. Manual data entry: If the .WDB file contains a relatively small amount of data, you can manually enter the information into a spreadsheet program like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets.

    Remember to create a backup of your .WDB file before attempting any conversion, as the process may sometimes result in data loss or corruption.
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