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I’m looking for software that opens *.pdb files.

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What are PDB Files?

The PDB file extension is used by several different applications, which are not necessarily interchangeable. Because of this, you will need to know where the PDB file originated. For example, if you work in the BioTech industry and a colleague sent you a PDB file related to his research on proteins, then it’s a safe bet that this particular PDB file is a “Protein Data Bank” file. On the other hand, if your accountant sent you a PDB file, the file would more likely be related to Quicken software.

The four primary PDB file types are:

• Protein Data Bank Files - This file extension is used by the Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics. It contains the 3D coordinates of a protein’s (or another chemical compound’s) atoms.
• Program Database Files - This is a database format used by Quicken, Pegasus, and Microsoft Visual Studio.
• Palm Desktop Database Files - This format is used by Palm-based PDAs and can contain data such as spreadsheets, documents, maps, and images.
• Power Designer Backup Files - These files are backup files of a Sybase PowerDesigner database.

Opening PDB Files

If you don’t know where the file originated, it’s going to be tough to figure out which type of program to use to open your PDB files. Start by trying to open the file with a text editor such as NotePad. If the file opens, you may be able to find clues that lead you to the correct program. The most common type of PDB file is as a program database file. If you have Quicken or Microsoft Visual Studio.net, try opening the file with those applications.

If you suspect that the file is a Palm Desktop Database file, use PRODEC Desktop PDB Viewer or LLUSoft’s PDB Explorer.

PowerDesigner Backup files are to be used to restore a damaged Sybase PowerDesigner database. In order to work with these files, you will need the PowerDesigner software.

If the PDB file is a Protein Data Bank file, use QuickPDB or find an add-on for Microsoft Internet Explorer such as Protein Workshop or Jmol to open it. The University of Massachusetts Web site lists a variety of viewers and plugins.  

Need help working with the .csv extension for exporting my contacts in Outlook Express.

The CSV File Extension

The CSV file extension stands for “Comma Separated Value” which doesn’t make much sense to the casual user. However, if you’ve ever worked with spreadsheets, it starts to make more sense. For example, spreadsheets consist of data inserted into columns and rows. If you had a contact list, each row would represent one contact’s information with the information entered into different columns such as Name, E-mail address, and Phone Number. When exporting data in a spreadsheet or database, you need to be able to differentiate between the different columns; otherwise the text would blend together into one big clump such as: nameemailaddressphonenumber. The CSV format separates each value placing a comma in between such as: name, emailaddress, phonenumber. When you import a CSV file, the import utility recognizes the commas as a separator and divides the data accordingly.

Exporting Outlook Express Contacts as CSV Files

Outlook Express and other e-mail applications use several import/export formats, including the CSV format. In Outlook Express, go to File > Import and Export > Export to a File. Click Next and select Comma Separated Value. Click Next and select the Contacts folder. Click Next and then Browse to a location on your hard drive where you will save the file such as My Documents. Give your file a meaningful name such as “EmailExportList.csv.” Click Next followed by Finish.

Now, your EmailExportList.csv file is ready to be imported into your new e-mail application using the new program’s import utility.

Importing CSV Files

Depending on which application you are using, the steps for importing the CSV files will vary. For illustration purposes, let’s look at importing a CSV file into Windows Live Mail. In this example, you would first need to click the Address Book and then go to File > Import > Comma Separated Values (.CSV). Next, browse to the stored .csv file (in this example it would be in My Documents\EmailExportList.csv) and click Next. Follow any additional prompts to finalize the import.

In addition, you can open the .csv file in Microsoft Excel or some other spreadsheet. This is useful if you want to modify entries quickly or use them for other purposes.

How can I open an NTH file?

What is the NTH file?

The NTH file is a unique one that is used for the Nokia Symbian Series 40 OS or operating system. In fact, the letters “NTH” are used to refer to “Nokia Theme.” The NTH file extension is actually a customized file for the Nokia cell phone that includes a bunch of icons, images, pictures, and ringtones that you can use to create a more personal look and feel to your cell phone. It is created by the Nokia Theme Studio Application.

However, it’s important to note that the file extension NTH is not used with the Nokia Symbian Series 60 operating system. Some of the Nokia cell phones that can use and open NTH files include Nokia 7310C, 5610XM, 6300, 6600S, 6500S, 5220XM, 6600F, and 7610S. Remember- if your phone does not support the platform, then you will not be able to use the file.

Opening NTH Files on the PC

Typically, users of Nokia cell phones who wish to use the NTH file will download it to their computer via Internet access. There’s no need to open the file while it is on the computer.

Simply transfer the NTH file extension from the computer to the Nokia cell phone. To transfer the file onto the cell phone, you can use a USB data cable or a USB card reader to transfer the file into the cell phone’s memory. You can also use bluetooth to transfer the file.

Opening Downloaded NTH Files in .ZIP Format

If the NTH file extension that you have opened is in .zip format, then you must unzip it before transferring it to your Nokia phone. Use a program such as WinRAR or WinZip to do so. WinRAR offers a free 60-day trial period. After that, you will have to make a purchase to use it.

Opening NTH Files on the Nokia Cell Phone

Once you have transferred the NTH file extension, you simply select it from the gallery and the file should automatically install so that you can apply it to your Nokia phone.

I changed a file.xxx by renaming it file.exe - then the file became useful - but now I can’t delete the file from my directory. How can I remove the file from my storage?

Cannot Delete File Error

Sometimes files and folders can try to entrench themselves on your system and resist removal. When this happens Windows will likely display a Cannot Delete File error message. You might get this message if the computer tells you there isn’t enough available hard disk space or if a relevant program is using the file. If is file is resistant to normal removal techniques, like moving it to the Recycle Bin and then emptying the unwanted files, then there are some more advanced command prompts you can use.

Remove the Errant File

1. The first thing to do is figure out exactly where the file you want to delete is stored. For example, if you have saved the file to the desktop, make sure that you know the path to find it there. You can use the search tool in the Start Menu to find the path. Write the path down for later.
2. Next, click the Start button and choose Turn Off Computer, then Restart.
3. As the computer boots up, start pressing F8 to open the Advanced Menu
4. Choose Safe Mode with a Command Prompt using the keyboard arrows
5. Log on to your Administrative user account
6. In the command prompt type in the letters cd then a space, then the file path you wrote down earlier in quotations
7. Next, type in the letters del, then a space, then the name of the file you want to delete - for example del thefile.xxx
8. The file should be gone - go back and make sure it isn’t in the directory

Check the Recycling Bin

If you have tried to remove the file before, you should make sure that it isn’t in the recycling bin, as that might make is more difficult to remove.

Run Virus and Malware Scans

If the file persists, it might contain a malicious file or program. The xxx file extension is a little suspicious, although there are some legitimate files with this extension. You might want to run some full system virus and malware scans to make sure that there aren’t any known problems with the file.

How do I open a .3gp file extension?

When you take a video on your cell phone, it saves it as a .3GP file. 3GP stand for 3^rd generation which is the data delivery for cellular networks, although the formats are changing and improving all the time. The .3GP file type allows users to send and receive bandwidth intensive files such as video and audio. Unfortunately, you can’t view .3GP files on a standard computer - you need to convert them to a format that the system can recognize such as AVI.

.3GP Converters

The best way to convert a .3GP file extension into other formats is by using a .3GP converter program. If you Google .3GP file, you will find a huge list of programs available, both freeware and those available for a cost. Two to try are the Oxelon media converter or the Mobile 3GP converter. These will allow you to convert a single file or a multiple file conversion for converting several files at once to save time, but they must contain audio for many programs in order to be converted.

In the single file conversion mode, you can convert audio, only video or both at once. For many of these programs, once they are installed, all you need to do is drag and drop the file into the program and then choose the file type that you want the video to be converted into. You can also convert standard videos into .3GP file extension format so that you can watch them on your mobile device.

Whichever program you choose, make sure that it is free of spyware and malware and comes from a reputable source. You should also make sure that your antivirus programs are up to date and running whenever you download programs from the Internet.  Downloading the correct program should allow you to easily convert your .3GP file extension - if you need any further assistance, please feel free to contact us again.

Why Windows can’t recognize the file? Windows recognized the file the previous time?