File Extension DB

File Extension DB

DB extension is associated to the Thumbnail Database files in Windows. Other applications create their own DB file. Oracle database also uses DB files. Files with db extensions excluding the Windows XP thumbnail database can be opened by other operating systems including Linux and Mac.

In Windows, there are several options available for viewing files. Among these options is the Thumbnail that allows a user to view previews of a file. This is essential for images and movies since thumbnails require lesser resources than directly opening the files.

Once viewed as thumbnails Windows store information about the files in a Thumbs.db file. Windows will automatically recreate the file if accidentally deleted. It is stored as a system file with protected and hidden properties. Thumbs.db files are unique to every folder where these files can be found.

Email worms commonly search for DB files. Most worms and viruses target db files along with other similar files to gather information from a host computer. Information contained on these files may include usernames, passwords, email list, database entries, and other important information that virus authors may find necessary.

In Windows, aside from the applications that create DB files, Windows Explorer can open DB files but it editing or opening these files is highly discouraged. Several other applications can open native DB files including those created by Netscape cache file and SQL Anywhere Database.

Similar file extensions

• File Extension MDF - Microsoft SQL Server Database File
• File Extension NDF - Microsoft SQL Server Secondary Database File
• File Extension LDF - Microsoft SQL Server Database Log Files