.vdb file

Question

.vdb file

I was using 'WhatSize' to clear out space wasting files from my HD, and came across a .vdb file of 4.06 GB. It is obviously something used by the system, but doesn't seem to change size (even after a re-start). I don't want to delete it as it may be essential, but if it's something left over from a system crash I'd love to trash it & get the space back. A search of the forum & Google haven't helped, anyone know what this is?

Thanks. (OSX 10.4.5)

G4 MDD & PowerBook G3 Firewire, Mac OS X (10.4.3)

Posted on Mar 12, 2006 11:26 AM

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Answer 1

Mar 12, 2006 12:03 PM in response to William Davies

Just exactly what and where is it? Doing a search at Google Mac makes it look like it is some sort of ActiveX file--which would likely implicate something from Microsoft as being its parent. I have no vbd files on my machine so I seriously doubt that it is "used by the system."
Francine

Francine
Schwieder

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Answer 2

Dr. Smoke

Level 9

56,586 points

Mar 12, 2006 12:17 PM in response to William Davies

Hi, William.

Google searches do yield some clues, such as this page.

A vdnnnn.vdb file (nnn = a numeric string) is a virus definitions update file for the Corporate version of Norton Anti-Virus, but the size of this file would be too large for such.

It may be a Verity Database file or a Vista Database file. Both are embedded databases that can be used by third-party applications. If memory serves, Lotus Note had Verity search built into it a long time ago. Apparently MacroMedia ColdFusion also uses Verity technology for its internal data storage.

1. What is the full name of the .vbd file(s) you've found?

2. What does Get Info tell you about the file?

I've checked my startup disk thoroughly using EasyFind, searching for hidden files, invisible files, and package contents: there are no .vdb files on such, so from my perspective this file is not part of Mac OS X.

I use Norton AntiVirus 10 (client edition) as well: no leftover .vdb files from that.

So, it's probably related to a third-party application you have installed, perhaps leftover from one you've uninstalled. You might want to check with the firms from which you've installed applications to see if it belongs to one of those apps.

Worst case, if you decide to trash it, either

• Make a backup of it by burning it to DVD — if possible. Or...

• Move it (Command-Drag) to an external drive if you have one.

Remember to empty the Trash. 😉

Good luck!

😉 Dr. Smoke
Author: Troubleshooting Mac® OS X

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Answer 3

Mar 13, 2006 4:09 AM in response to William Davies

Thanks Francine & Dr. Smoke, I thought this was a system file because it appears in 'WhatSize' as .vdb (that's the full name), and files beginning with a period are usually OSX related. I did find the File Ext web page, but don't have any Norton products on this machine & I guess a virus database would have to be damaged to have grown that big.

The file is at the Root level of my main HD, and is invisible. I've just downloaded 'EasyFind' (thanks for the link), which shows the file as last modified 7/5/2005, but has nothing listed under 'kind' & selecting 'Show Info' does nothing. I'll do a little more digging before I back-up & delete the file.

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