| .DBF (DataBase File) files are some of the most | | | | was saving a file, or the computer lost power during |
| commonly used files across multiple applications. First | | | | the saving process. Most newer operating systems |
| introduced as part of the archaic Dbase language, | | | | have in-built instructions to prevent such corruption by |
| which later went through multiple versions before finally | | | | ensuring proper saving of the files. Many of the newer |
| becoming xBase, the dbf extension has become | | | | versions of Foxpro and other development platforms |
| somewhat of a standard for most programs that | | | | also have taken measures to prevent such damage. |
| compile and structure data into specific 'quantas'. | | | | Even so, corruption of DBF files is not all that rare. |
| Some of the commonly used programs that generate | | | | Usually, it is very hard to pinpoint the exact causes of |
| dbf files as the means to store data are FoxPro, | | | | the corruption of the files when incorrect saving is not |
| Visual FoxPro, dBase (and it's various versions), many | | | | involved. All that is known clearly is that the data is |
| popular games, and interactive programs such as | | | | almost always restructured in a manner that database |
| Dragon Naturally Speak. While most programs that | | | | reading programs are no longer able to recognize and |
| use .DBF files never require the user to directly interact | | | | use it. |
| with the file itself, some of them, especially those | | | | DBF Repair - How To Recover DBF Files |
| targeted at developers, need constant interaction with | | | | It is impossible to repair DBF files without using a good |
| the database file. As such, losing data stored in a .DBF | | | | DBF repair program. The file needs to be deeply |
| file can have severe consequences leading to loss of | | | | studied, and the data within re-organized making ir |
| productivity, and many times hours of work. | | | | readable to a regular DBF reader. The data must also |
| Corruption of DBF files is not very common. However, | | | | be studied for differences between which sectors of |
| given the number of times a give file needs to be | | | | the file are 'newer' than the others. This is usually done |
| loaded and unloaded in a developmental environment. | | | | by looking at the date and time stamps on the data. If |
| Since most errors occur during the process of saving | | | | this is inconsistent with the data, then it indicates |
| and loading, there are a few steps you can take to | | | | irregular saving, or errors during the save. This is, as is |
| prevent such damage. There are basically two signs | | | | obvious, most common in corrupt data which is a result |
| of damaged or corrupt DBF files: | | | | of incorrect saving. A good DBF repair software |
| 1. Lack of readable content. If all that is visible when | | | | should be able to go through the given file, into the |
| you open the file is gibberish or incomprehensible | | | | unstructured data, and place the related data packets |
| content, then most likely, the file is corrupt or at the | | | | together where they belong. This restructuring allows a |
| very least damaged. | | | | standard DBF file reader to understand the data again |
| 2. If the file is unopenable, in that you receive a 'cannot | | | | and open the file normally. |
| open file' or 'data file inaccessible' error, the file is | | | | Once the file is repaired and the data restored, it is |
| probably damaged or corrupt. | | | | recommended to open the file again and save it as a |
| The next important thing to understand is how a file | | | | different copy on another medium of storage. This will |
| can get corrupted. According to Microsoft, over 90% | | | | ensure that you have a non-corrupt copy of the file as |
| of file damage occurs due to improper saving of the | | | | backup and don't have to go through the DBF repair |
| file. For example, if the program was shut down as it | | | | software over and over. |