Open WDB Files on Windows 10: 4 Ways You Can Do It
Open the WDB files in a jiffy with our recommendations
- WDB files have long been out of the picture, but some users still have data stored in the format and have been looking for ways to open WDB files in Windows 10.
- When it comes to opening WDB files, the options are limited.
- Many prefer using LibreOffice as an alternative, though you could open WDB files in Word and Excel as well.
With hundreds of files format, it often becomes difficult to find a program for each. Thankfully, most apps support multiple file formats making things a bit easier for users. However, even after much effort, many can’t open WDB files in Windows 10.
This is primarily because the recommendations listed on the web don’t usually work, and the software used to create them has long been withdrawn. So, if you have been trying to open a WDB file without Works, here’s everything you need to know.
What is a WDB file?
The WDB extension is attached to files associated with Microsoft Works, an office suite developed by Microsoft. Initially released in 1988, the suite was a popular choice, primarily due to its low cost and a host of user-friendly features, until it was discontinued in 2009.
While the WDB file has features similar to Access database MDB files, it has more limitations on programs that can access it as it contains a proprietary data format that cannot be opened by most programs.
Here are the two sets of applications that generate WDB files:
- Microsoft Works: We have already established the role of Microsoft Works with WDB files.
- World of Warcraft: This game, too, creates WDB files that store information received from the game servers and is critical to the gameplay.
While there are a few ways to open WDB files, many prefer converting them into a format supported by other applications or the current Microsoft Office suite. So, now that you know what is a WDB file, let’s find out how to open WDB files in Windows 10.
How do I open a WBD file?
1. Download Microsoft Works
Though it was discontinued long ago, and there are no official sources to download it, you can still proceed with the Microsoft Works Database download from Archive.org. The file is in ISO format. Also, be extra cautious with the downloaded file and scan it for malware using a reliable antivirus.
After the download is complete, all you need to do is mount the ISO, run the setup, and complete the installation. In case you face issues, run Microsoft Works in compatibility mode with Windows Vista.
2. Use Microsoft Word
If you previously had Works 6.0 or a later version and the WDB files were created using it, these can easily be opened in Word or Excel (only Office 2010). For later versions of MS Office, you will need a WDB file converter to Word.
You can find several converter tools on the web, though not all of them are safe. Be cautious with it, and scan the downloaded file afterward for malware before opening.
3. With Microsoft Excel
2.1 Convert to CSV format
Some users recommended converting the WDB file to a format compatible with Excel, but that’s possible only when you have Microsoft Works installed on the same or another PC.
And that’s unlikely to be the case. Though, if you have it, you can easily convert WDB file to Excel readable format.
2.2 Use a third-party tool
If you have been wondering how to open a WDB file in Excel, many recommend using CodeAlchemist’s Work Database Convertor, but you will need to install Java for it. And even after that, it may not run and throw a security warning instead, which is often tricky to bypass.
Besides, several users reported that their antivirus flagged Works Database Convertor as a threat and prevented it from running. So proceed at your own risk.
4. Via LibreOffice
- Download LibreOffice from the official website, then launch the setup and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
- Once it’s set up, open LibreOffice, and click on Base Database near the bottom-left corner.
- Check the settings and click Next.
- Again verify the details, and click Finish.
- Now, choose the File menu, and select Open from the list of options.
- Head to the path where the WDB file is stored, select it, and then click on the dropdown menu next to File name.
- Select Microsoft Works Document (*.wks, *.wdb) from the formats here.
- Finally, click on Open.
- It should now open the WDB file.
Users often ask, can LibreOffice open WDB files? The answer is Yes, though it might not work for all. Most users have, however, been able to open WDB file in LibreOffice on Windows 10 and other iterations, and with these steps, you should too.
Also, we recommend saving the file in a compatible format once done to save yourself from all the trouble the next time.
That’s all for now! Before you leave, check how to find duplicate files in Windows and delete them to free up disk space.
If you know any other methods to open WDB files in Windows 10, drop them in the comments section below.
