What Is an MDE File? GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Software & Apps > File Types

What Is an MDE File?

How to open, edit, & convert MDE files

By Tim Fisher Tim Fisher Senior Vice President & Group General Manager, Tech & Sustainability Emporia State University Tim Fisher has more than 30 years' of professional technology experience. He's been writing about tech for more than two decades and serves as the VP and General Manager of Lifewire. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on September 26, 2021 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email File Types File Types Apps Windows MS Office Linux Google Drive Backup & Utilities Design Cryptocurrency A file with the MDE file extension is a Compiled Access Add-in file used to store a Microsoft Access MDA file in binary format (or might be an add-in file used with architectural design software ArchiCAD to extend the program's functionality). Advantages of MDE files include compacted file size, VBA code that can run but can't be changed, and the ability to edit data and run reports while shielding the user from having full database access. What do you do if you need to open an MDE file? Below are some suggestions to help out. Instructions in this article apply to Access 2019 and 2016.

How to Open an MDE File

MDE files can be opened with Microsoft Access and probably some other database programs as well. Here's how to open one in Access 2019: Go to File > Open. Select Browse if you don't see your file listed. Search for the MDE file that you want to open, select it, and then choose Open. You'll be warned of a potential security concern. If you know the source of the file, select Open, otherwise Cancel. The MDE file should now be open in Access.

Import Your MDE File Into Excel

Microsoft Excel will import MDE files, but that data will then have to be saved in some other spreadsheet format like XLSX or CSV. Here's how to import an MDE into Excel: Open or create a new spreadsheet. Select the Data menu at the top of Excel and choose Get Data from the Get & Transform Data section. If you don't see that option, choose Get External Data from the left side of the Data menu. Select From Microsoft Access Database, or From Access if you see that instead. Select and import the MDE file. In Navigator, select the item(s) you wish to import. If you need more than one file, choose Select multiple items. Select Load. Wait for the data to import. The information from the MDE file should now be in the Excel spreadsheet. If you find that an application on your PC does try to open the MDE file but it's the wrong application or you'd rather have another installed program open MDE files, you can change the default program that opens MDE files in Windows.

How to Convert an MDE File

While there is some older information on how to convert an MDE to a MDB, Microsoft itself doesn't support this process. There's at least one company that will do the conversion for you at a cost. Once the information in the MDE file is in the MDB format, you can convert the MDB file to ACCDB or ACCDE using Access. Alternatively, you can open the MDE file in Access and then manually copy the data into a new MDB file.

Still Can' t Open the File

If the programs above aren't working to open your file, it's possible that you're misreading the file extension, meaning that you don't actually have an MDE file. For example, an Amiga MED Sound file and RSView Development Project file both use the MED file extension, which is really similar to MDE but not the same. Even though they look like they might be related to Microsoft Access or ArchiCAD, they instead open with ModPlug Player and RSView, respectively. The same is true for other file extensions that might sound or look like "MDE," like NOMEDIA. Another is MME, which belongs to the Multi-Purpose Internet Mail format, and MDD, which might be a Point Oven Deformation Data file or an MDict Resource file. FAQ How do I open a locked MDE file? There are third-party MDE unlocker software packagers that allow you to change the design of a form or report without damaging the file's compiled VBA code. These tools don't let users access the behind-the-scenes VBA code, just make cosmetic changes. How do I convert an Access file to an MDE file? In older versions of Access, go to Tools > Database Utilities > Make MDE and then follow the prompts. In later versions, you're only able to convert to an ACCDE file: Go to the Ribbon Bar and select Database Tools > ACCDE. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire MDW File (What It Is & How to Open One) GRD File (What It Is & How to Open One) ACCDE File (What It Is and How to Open One) What Is a CSI File? How to Open, Edit, & Convert MDT Files MNY File (What It Is & How to Open One) MDB File (What It Is and How to Open One) DDOC File (What It Is & How to Open One) HQX File (What It Is and How to Open One) How to Export Data to Excel What Is a Gerber (GBR) File & How Do You Open One? What Is a PEM File? XLR File (What It Is & How to Open One) CSV File (What It Is & How to Open One) MDA File (What It Is & How to Open One) AV File (What Is It & How to Open One) Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies