EDB File Extension

What is EDB file?

EDB extension is used by database files created by Microsoft Exchange Server. EDB files serve as th main storage for data generated by e-mail mailbox Exchange. EDB file contains all mailbox data processed data, including non-SMTP messages, emails, tasks, contacts, logs, notes, and calendars.

EDB file characteristics.

EDB format uses B-Tree structure with top and child nodes. Exchange server uses Extensible Storage Engine (ESE) for accessing EDB data.

Main EDB files

Exchange server uses two main files, Priv1.edb and Pub1.edb. Each EDB is accompanied by STM file which contains actual SMTP data.

Additional information

1. EDB file format is supported only in Windows operating system.
2. EDB format was design for quick access to many pages simultaneously.

Programs which support EDB file extension

Programs that can handle EDB files are as follows. Files with EDB 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: 05/04/2023

How to open file with EDB extension?

Problems with accessing EDB may be due to various reasons. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to Exchange Information Store Database files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.

Step 1. Install Microsoft Exchange Server software

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening EDB files is that no program that can handle EDB files is installed on user’s system. The most obvious solution is to download and install Microsoft Exchange Server or one to the listed programs: Microsoft Windows, Mailbox Exchange Recovery, Windows Mail. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. The safest method of downloading Microsoft Exchange Server installed is by going to developer’s website (Microsoft Corporation) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of Microsoft Exchange Server

If you already have Microsoft Exchange Server installed on your systems and EDB files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. The reason that Microsoft Exchange Server cannot handle files with EDB may be that the software is outdated. The most recent version of Microsoft Exchange Server is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Set the default application to open EDB files to Microsoft Exchange Server

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate EDB files with latest version of Microsoft Exchange Server you have installed on your device. The process of associating file formats with default application may differ in details depending on platform, but the basic procedure is very similar.

The procedure to change the default program in Windows

• Clicking the EDB with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• To finalize the process, select Look for another app on this PC entry and using the file explorer select the Microsoft Exchange Server installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open EDB files box and clicking OK button.

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected EDB file open the file menu and choose Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• Select the appropriate software and save your settings by clicking Change all
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with EDB extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

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

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the EDB file in question. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

1. The EDB may be infected with malware – make sure to scan it with an antivirus tool.

If the EDB is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. It is advised to scan the system for viruses and malware as soon as possible or use an online antivirus scanner. If the scanner detected that the EDB file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

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

Did you receive the EDB file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. It could happen the the download process of file with EDB extension was interrupted and the file data is defective. Download the file again from the same source.

3. Check if the user that you are logged as has administrative privileges.

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 Exchange Information Store Database file.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run Microsoft Exchange Server

If the systems has insufficient resources to open EDB files, try closing all currently running applications and try again.

5. Ensure that you have the latest drivers and system updates and patches installed

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with Exchange Information Store Database file. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle EDB files.

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