SDB File Type

- The quick facts

What are SDB files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a SDB file or just wondering what they contain? We explain what these files are used for and show you software that we know can open or otherwise handle your files.

What is a SDB file?

SDB files have multiple uses, and Windows Application Compatibility (Shim) Database is one of them.

Windows Application Compatibility (Shim) Database

These files are Windows System Database files, and you usually find them located in sub-folders of the C:\Windows\ folder.

The SDB files are used by the Windows Compatibility Administrator tool and include prepackaged fixes that provide an easy way to fix a program that may not run correctly under Windows.

How to open SDB files

Important: Different programs may use files with the SDB file extension for different purposes, so unless you are sure which format your SDB file is, you may need to try a few different programs.

While we have not verified the apps ourselves yet, our users have suggested 10 different SDB openers which you will find listed below.

Last updated: March 8, 2022

More file formats using the SDB extension

Through our research of SDB files, we know that the following formats exist. However, we have not yet analyzed them in detail, and we would love to hear from you if you have information about either of them.

Pegasus SPS Encoded Audio

SAP2000 Database

SuperMap World - AvisMap GIS Database

TheSky Database

Various apps that use files with this extension

These apps are known to open certain types of SDB files. Remember, different programs may use SDB files for different purposes, so you may need to try out a few of them to be able to open your specific file.