3 steps to open file with DBX extension
Usually solving problems with DBX file is simple – just install proper software and open the file. Read the guide and open DBX file now!
DBX File Extension
- File type Outlook Express E-mail Folder
- File developer Microsoft
- File category Misc Files
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File popularity rating
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What is a(n) DBX file?
The DBX (Outlook Express E-mail Folder) file type is a proprietary data format used by Microsoft Outlook Express for storing email messages. DBX files are usually located on the user's hard drive in WindowsApplication DataIdentities{long numeric ID}MicrosoftOutlook Express folder.
A DBX file is based on a database structure and stores individual emails, including email headers, bodies and attachments, in a single file. It can be opened in Outlook Express by double-clicking the DBX file. The DBX file structure allows for frequent compacting of the database, which helps to optimize storage space.
How to open DBX file?
There could be multiple reasons for which the system does not support given file. In the case of DBX extension, it is probable that none of the installed programs support given file type. Therefore, user should undertake the following steps
Step 1: Install a program that supports DBX files
If an application that supports DBX files is installed on user’s system, but is not used to open such files by default, right-click on the file icon and choose "Open with" option from the menu. Next, select the proper application and check the "Always use the selected application to open this kind of files" box. The system will store this information in its registry and use the selected program to open files with DBX extension by default.
Hint for Mac OS users
For Mac OS users the procedure is analogous – open the file menu by right-clicking on the DBX file and choose "Information" option and select "Open with program" option. From the submenu select an application and click on "Change all" button.
Step 2: Find and download proper software
Inability to open DBX files may also be related to the lack of any application that supports given file being installed on the system. Should that be the case, user needs to download and install one of the following applications. Once installed, the system will automatically associate newly installed application with DBX files. If this step fails, see step 1.
Programs that support files with DBX extension
Step 3: Check the DBX file for errors
Sometimes, although relatively rarely, steps 1 and 2 might not lead to expected results. There can be several reasons for such situation to occur:
- DBX file has been downloaded from the internet but for some reason it is incomplete. In such case the file should be re-downloaded and opened again.
- Structure of given DBX file could be corrupted and as such the program is not able to open the file
- Storage medium on which the file was stored is damaged
- It is important to ascertain that the icon representing given file is not a shortcut a related DBX file no longer present in the location to which the shortcut points
- If the user account has restricted access privileges it is advised to contact the system administrator or an IT expert
