LOB File Extension

What is LOB file?

LOB is a file extension commonly associated with IBM DB2 LOBFILE files. IBM defined the IBM DB2 LOBFILE format standard. LOB files are supported by software applications available for devices running Windows. LOB file format, along with 1305 other file formats, belongs to the Settings Files category. The most popular software that supports LOB files is IBM DB2. On the official website of IBM developer not only will you find detailed information about theIBM DB2 software, but also about LOB and other supported file formats.

Programs which support LOB file extension

The following listing features LOB-compatible programs. LOB files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

How to open file with LOB extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening LOB files on given system. What is important, all common issues related to files with LOB extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.

Step 1. Get the IBM DB2

Problems with opening and working with LOB files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with LOB files being present on your machine. The solution is straightforward, just download and install IBM DB2. On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. The safest method of downloading IBM DB2 installed is by going to developer’s website (IBM) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of IBM DB2

You still cannot access LOB files although IBM DB2 is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. This can be one of the causes why LOB files are not compatible with IBM DB2. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using IBM DB2.

Step 3. Assign IBM DB2 to LOB files

If you have the latest version of IBM DB2 installed and the problem persists, select it as the default program to be used to manage LOB on your device. The next step should pose no problems. The procedure is straightforward and largely system-independent

Change the default application in Windows

• Right-click the LOB file and choose Open with option
• Next, select the Choose another app option and then using More apps open the list of available applications
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where IBM DB2 is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open LOB files and clicking OK.

Change the default application in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected LOB 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 LOB extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Check the LOB for errors

You closely followed the steps listed in points 1-3, but the problem is still present? You should check whether the file is a proper LOB file. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

1. Check the LOB file for viruses or malware

Should it happed that the LOB is infected with a virus, this may be that cause that prevents you from accessing it. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. If the LOB file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Ensure the file with LOB extension is complete and error-free

Did you receive the LOB 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. If the LOB file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

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

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Log in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.

4. Verify that your device fulfills the requirements to be able to open IBM DB2

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

5. Check if you have the latest updates to the operating system and drivers

Regularly updated system, drivers, and programs keep your computer secure. This may also prevent problems with IBM DB2 LOBFILE files. It may be the case that the LOB files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

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