CDB File Extension

What is CDB file?

CDB is a database format associated with Symbian operating system used by older NOKIA mobile phones. CDB files store contact data, including contact name, address, and phone number. Contact data on SIM card are not stored as CDB files.

Database usage

Contact data can be synchronized between devices using dedicated software tool. Contact in CDB files can be exported to VCF files used by vCard standard. Contacts can also be shared between mobile phones directly or via MMS.

Programs which support CDB file extension

The following list contains programs grouped by 3 operating systems that support CDB files. Files with CDB extension, just like any other file formats, can be found on any operating system. The files in question may be transferred to other devices, be it mobile or stationary, yet not all systems may be capable of properly handling such files.

Updated: 12/23/2023

How to open file with CDB extension?

Being unable to open files with CDB extension can be have various origins. What is important, all common issues related to files with CDB extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. The list below will guide you through the process of addressing the encountered problem.

Step 1. Get the Nokia PC Suite

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports CDB files installed on the system. This issue can be addressed by downloading and installing Nokia PC Suite or different compatible program, such as Nokisoft Noki, Windows Mobile. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support CDB files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. The safest method of downloading Nokia PC Suite installed is by going to developer’s website () and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Update Nokia PC Suite to the latest version

You still cannot access CDB files although Nokia PC Suite is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. The reason that Nokia PC Suite cannot handle files with CDB may be that the software is outdated. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using Nokia PC Suite.

Step 3. Assign Nokia PC Suite to CDB files

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate CDB files with latest version of Nokia PC Suite you have installed on your device. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Right-click the CDB file and choose Open with option
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• Finally select Look for another app on this PC, point to the folder where Nokia PC Suite is installed, check the Always use this app to open CDB files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected CDB file open the file menu and choose Information
• Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
• From the list choose the appropriate program and confirm by clicking Change for all....
• A message window should appear informing that This change will be applied to all files with CDB extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Ensure that the CDB file is complete and free of errors

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the CDB file is valid. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

1. Verify that the CDB in question is not infected with a computer virus

Should it happed that the CDB is infected with a virus, this may be that cause that prevents you from accessing it. Scan the CDB file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the scanner detected that the CDB file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

2. Verify that the CDB file’s structure is intact

Did you receive the CDB file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. It is possible that the file has not been properly copied to a data storage and is incomplete and therefore cannot be opened. When downloading the file with CDB extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

3. Ensure that you have appropriate access rights

Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the Symbian Phonebook Database file.

4. Verify that your device fulfills the requirements to be able to open Nokia PC Suite

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with CDB extension. In this case close the other applications.

5. Verify that your operating system and drivers are up to date

Latest versions of programs and drivers may help you solve problems with Symbian Phonebook Database files and ensure security of your device and operating system. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with CDB files affecting older versions of given software.

Do you want to help?

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