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Corrupt DB3 file - need help
- Thread starter Maximark
- Start date
- Thread starter
- #3
It sounds like the file descriptor bytes are damaged. Wordpad isn't the ideal method because it won't show you any errors, corrupted data, record numbers, etc. However, it may be the only way you'll be able to save the file. Here are a few suggestions:
1. Try to open the file in a dBase program - if you have one. If successful, you may be able to see exactly where the corruption starts and how extensive it is. If you see what appears to be "garbled" data, delete the garbled records and pack the file. I doubt you'll be able to use this method but it's worth a try.
2. Open the file in Wordpad, then save it with a .TXT extension. Then, try to open it in Excel. You'll have to tell it where the fields start & end. A little confusing and time consuming but a small price to pay to recover the file. Note: DO NOT ALTER any of the data while the file is open!
3. If all the above doesn't work, then you can print the contents of the file and manually re-enter into a new table. Last resort type of thing but it all depends on how you value the data.
There's always a better way...
1. Try to open the file in a dBase program - if you have one. If successful, you may be able to see exactly where the corruption starts and how extensive it is. If you see what appears to be "garbled" data, delete the garbled records and pack the file. I doubt you'll be able to use this method but it's worth a try.
2. Open the file in Wordpad, then save it with a .TXT extension. Then, try to open it in Excel. You'll have to tell it where the fields start & end. A little confusing and time consuming but a small price to pay to recover the file. Note: DO NOT ALTER any of the data while the file is open!
3. If all the above doesn't work, then you can print the contents of the file and manually re-enter into a new table. Last resort type of thing but it all depends on how you value the data.
There's always a better way...
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