How to Open a .dbf with Microsoft Excel

A .dbf file can be opened with Microsoft Excel. Sometimes, it is hidden on your computer. Here's how to find it!

1. Click on your File Explorer button.
   
   
   
   
2. Click on "View".
   
   
3. Make sure "Hidden items" is selected.
   
   
4. Select Local Disk (C:) and double-click the "ProgramData" folder.
   
   
5. Drill down to "Microsoft  > Windows > Start Menu > Programs" and you should see Excel listed.
   
   
6. Now that we know it's there, let's get your .dbf to open from your shapefile!
7. After you have exported out a Shapefile from PCS (from the Prescription page or Mgmt Zone page), find it in your Downloads and right-click it.  Select "Extract All..."
   
   
   
   
8. You can leave the location as it is and make leave the box checked to "Show extracted files when complete".  Select the "Extract" button.
   
   
   
   
9. Once extracted, right-click on the DBF File in folder and select "Properties" from the bottom of the list.
   
   
   
   
10. Click the Change... option.
    
    
    
    
11. Select the "More apps" option under Other Options.
    
    
    
    
12. Scroll down and select Look for another app on this PC.
    
    
13. Navigate to: "Local Disk (C:) > ProgramData > Microsoft > Windows > Start Menu > Programs", select Excel and click "Open".
    
    
    
    
14. Click "Apply" and then "OK".
    
    
    
    
15. Now, you have set Excel to be your default program to open a .dbf each time you need to open a .dbf!