File Extension Database

Open MDB File

File extension MDB is most commonly associated with a Microsoft Access Database. Though less common, the MDB file extension is also used by Mono, a software platform which allows developers to build cross-platform compatible applications, to store debugging information, as well as Mediator to store multimedia project data.

MDB files which represent Microsoft Access databases store data in one or more tables. These may also be relational, meaning that a key field in one table is also used in another and hence the tables are linked. Data within a table is stored in fields, which each have a name and data type which can be set to ensure the correct type and format. As well as storing tables, MDB files may also contain queries which are used to perform searches on data within tables, forms which can be used to provide a user interface to input data and reports which are generated to output data in a specific format. Developers can also create their own macros using VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) which can also be embedded within an MDB file.

MDB files may also contain links to external data sources such as Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, SharePoint Lists, text files or ODBC-compatible sources such as Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle and MySQL.

As MDB files can contain macros or scripts, it is possible that they contain malicious content and so should be scanned using an up to date virus checker, particularly if the file is from an unknown source, or prompts the user to enable macros once it is opened.

Microsoft Access Database MDB files are a proprietary format, and can only be reliably opened using an appropriate version of Microsoft Access, which is part of the Microsoft Office suite of applications. MDB files which refer to Mono or Mediator are also application specific, and can only be opened using the program which originally created them.

Typical MDB application file locations:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office12\MSACCESS.EXE /NOSTARTUP "%1" %2 %3 %4 %5 %6 %7 %8 %9
"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office14\MSACCESS.EXE" /NOSTARTUP "%1" %2 %3 %4 %5 %6 %7 %8 %9

Typical MDB mime types:

application/msaccess

Frequently used application names to open MDB files:

Microsoft Office
Microsoft Office - Office14

Frequently associated Windows objects:

Access.MDBFile

How Can I Open MDB File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open MDB file is to find a MDB file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a MDB file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open MDB file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as MDB file opener then try to search online for "MDB viewer", "application to open MDB file" or "open MDB file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open MDB file

How Can I Open MDB File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a MDB file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a MDB file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with MDB file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as MDB file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open MDB file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open MDB file then try to search for "MDB viewer", "application to open MDB file" or "read MDB file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read MDB file

How Can I Open MDB File on Android

If you downloaded a MDB file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded MDB file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "MDB".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "MDB viewer", "MDB file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open MDB File on iPhone or iPad

To open MDB File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the MDB file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "MDB". This way you can find apps which can open MDB files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "MDB viewer" or "MDB file" online in your favorite search engine.