.SDB File Extension

Computers & Structures, Inc. (CSI) develops SAP2000. Engineers may use SAP2000 to design various structures, including bridges, industrial complexes, public works facilities, transportation stations, and sports arenas.

SAP2000 saves SDB files in the C:\​DATA\​ directory by default. When saving an SDB file, SAP2000 automatically creates SBK binary backup files and $2K text backup files in the same directory as the SDB file. SAP2000 also saves temporary tables, viewpoints, and other related files in the same directory as the SDB file. Do not delete these files, as the SDB file may reference them.

NOTE: If your SDB file becomes corrupt, you can retrieve your model by importing the SBK binary or $2K backup file in SAP2000.

You can open SDB files with Computers & Structures SAP2000 in Windows. For example, to open an SDB file, select File → Open.

SAP2000 can convert SDB files to several file types, including the following formats:

• .MDB - Microsoft Access Database
• .XLS - Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet (Legacy)
• .DWG - AutoCAD Drawing
• .DXF - Drawing Exchange Format File
• .IGES - IGES Drawing

Over time, the Windows operating system changes such that some programs may not function correctly in newer or older versions of Windows. To alleviate this issue, Windows includes a Compatibility Fix infrastructure, which allows users to to use built-in compatibility settings to modify a program for use in different versions of Windows.

Windows' built-in compatibility settings are stored in the file Sysmain.sdb. Using Sysmain.sdb and the Compatibility Administrator tool, users can create customized compatibility databases, which apply specific compatibility settings to a specific program. These customized compatibility databases are also saved as SDB files.

Typically, custom SDB files are named for the application with which they are meant to be used. For example, an SDB file meant to be used with Microsoft Paint would likely be named Paint.sdb.

SDB files are not meant to be opened. For instructions on how to create and use SDB files, refer to the official Microsoft documentation found here and here.

Blogs created for the SocialDecks website may use "Clean Address" URLs, which end in ".sdb."

NOTE: The SDB format is now obsolete and has been replaced with the .ODB database format.

SparkleDB file storage locations are defined in the instance.config.xml file. They are listed within the <datafiles> XML element.

NOTE: Sparkle database files use the following file naming convention by default: [logical ID]-[physical ID].sdb.