How to Read SDF in Microsoft

A file with the SDF file extension is likely a fixed length, ASCII Structured Data File. The SDF file format is a compacted database normally created using Microsoft SQL Server Compact Edition, though Microsoft Access will also create and open SDF files. Microsoft Access is included in most versions of the Microsoft Office productivity suite. You can most likely read an SDF file using the Microsoft Access application, provided that the file is not too large for Access to handle. Simply rename the file extension to “.txt” and open the file in Access.

Things You'll Need

• Microsoft Access installed

Instructions

1. Right-click the Windows “Start” button and then click “Open Internet Explorer.”

2. Click the “Tools” option on the top navigation bar in Windows Explorer, then click “Folder Options. Click the “View” tab. Uncheck the option for “Hide File Extensions for Known File Types” and click “Apply.” File extensions are now visible with file names in Windows Explorer and on the desktop.

3. Navigate to the SDF file and right-click on the file. Click “Rename” from the context menu. The file name, with extension, highlights. Type “.txt” over the “.sdf” file extension to rename the file extension.

4. Open Microsoft Access.

5. Click the “File” option, then click “Get External Data.”

6. Click the “Import” option. The File Import dialog box opens.

7. Click the “Browse” button. A file navigation window opens.

8. Click the “File Type” drop-down box and click the “Text File (*.txt) option.

9. Navigate to the SDF file renamed with the “TXT” file extension and click on the file.

10. Make sure to check the checkbox next to “Fixed Width” and “Tab Delimited.” Click the “Import” button. The data file is imported into and opened with Microsoft Access.