IPD File Extension

How to Open .IPD files

Windows

Mac OS

Additional extension information

File type:	Backup
Popularity:	Frequent
Author:	Research In Motion Limited
MIME type:	application/octet-stream

Other .IPD file extensions

InstallPROG EDBS Install Database

Related links

What is an IPD file?

An IPD file (Inter@ctive Pager Backup) is used to store a backup of personal data (address book/contacts, sms messages, emails, calendar etc) from a BlackBerry phone. Depending on the options chosen when creating the backup, these IPD files may also contain BlackBerry's settings.

The sole-purpose of an IPD file is to store a backup of a BlackBerry's data and should the need arise; restore the data to the original or an identical device.

The software that both creates and restores these IPD backup files is the PC (Windows) version of 'BlackBerry Desktop Manager'.

How to Open an IPD file

The only reliable way to read the personal data in a BlackBerry backup is with phoneMiner, which will allow you to view your contacts (address book), SMS messages, Emails and calendar databases.

phoneMiner will also allow you export your data to other formats, such as Microsoft Excel or XML.

It is possible however to open an IPD backup and view the data within using a standard plain-text editor (providing it has not been password-protected), however this will also display all the irrelevant characters used by 'BlackBerry Desktop Software' and makes for unpleasant reading.

How to Create an IPD file

IPD files are both created and used by 'BlackBerry Desktop Software', a software application bundled with each device or downloaded from RIM's website. 'BlackBerry Desktop Manager' creates backups with the extension .IPD on a Windows computer, and a .BBB file extension on an Apple Mac.

Once you have installed 'BlackBerry Desktop Software' on your computer, you will need to connect your BlackBerry using a USB cable. Run 'BlackBerry Desktop Manager' and select the backup option. You are then given the choice to create either a full-backup or partial backup.

A full-backup will backup all your personal data from your BlackBerry, as well as all the configuration settings. A partial-backup will allow you to specify which databases you want to backup (E.g 'Address book' only).

Finally, you are given the option to password-protect the backup, doing so will encrypt your backup using a 256-bit AES encryption algorithm. Anyone trying to access your password-protected backup will need to provide the password specified when it was created.

Visitor comments

Jerry

2006-07-12 15:02:52

I have a Blackberry IPD file containing a list of all my phone numbers and have since retired from the company. I have this on CD and now cannot open it on my home computer, What do I do?

peachy99

2006-10-21 23:17:25

I bought a Blackberry and saved a backup of the handheld on my laptop via the Blackberry's software. But how do I open the files now? What program do I need to download?

Kenny

2007-05-04 20:45:26

I am having the same problem. I backed up my blackberry with BB Desktop Manager and it is in a .ipd format and I can not open it. Is there a way to open and view this file?

Arnold

2007-05-10 05:35:41

HI, I'm trying to open my back up to extract just the address book details, what program should i use?

Jay

ADMIN

2007-05-11 06:28:06

I've updated the entry for this extension. Hope this helps, if not please let me know exactly what you are trying to restore (email/calendar etc).

Jay.

emoney

2007-05-25 18:13:44

How do i open .ipd files? Tryin to view address book, etc

angelina

2007-05-30 01:58:07

I saved my files to my computer and it saved as a ipd file. How do I view my contacts from my old blackberry info I backed up on my computer?

Gina

2007-06-02 15:28:38

I want to view my address book that is saved as an ipd extension. How can I do this to add numbers in manually?

ian

2007-06-02 21:53:54

how do i read .ipd files? trying to view address book on my computer

Sheree

2007-06-03 08:42:04

Same as Ian, I can't open the ipd file? Need some help please - what is the point of backing up?

Manjeet Singh

2007-06-03 11:01:53

I need software to read Blackberry backup files

Katrina

2007-06-03 21:31:41

How do I print my ipd file such as my calendar and my list of contacts?

Mike

2007-06-04 14:28:41

Same query from me...but is it simply that the ipd files are there just as back-up...ie you aren't supposed to open them, just store them and put back on the BB if they get lost on the hand-held device or corrupted or something? Wouls someone please answer this set of queries and put us all out of our misery??

Vicky

2007-06-04 20:34:46

I am having the same problem as everyone else on this page. I cannot open the ipd file of the backup of my blackberry onto computer. Please help!!!

Sufi

2007-06-04 23:13:37

Having the common problem as everyone else...appreciate a solution. Also can I convert ipd files into some other common files that can be read by say eg. a Nokia if I intend to migrate from BB to Nokia or back up my phone list onto a Nokia...tks

Justin

2007-06-05 21:28:14

having the same problem. what program will let me view my ipd files

Chris

2007-06-06 14:06:25

Check out this website. It allows you to select an .ipd file and it will put your address book contacts in a nice Excel-looking spreadsheet.

criticalfiles.com/free/ipd/

raj

2007-06-09 02:15:18

Having problems viewing ipd backup file stored from blackberry

Jeremiah Gilmore

2007-06-10 21:17:38

I have backed up my BB, but I need to be able to access certain MMS messages for printing how can I pull these MMS messages from the backup .ipd file and print them from my PC or is it possible to print directly from my BB? Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Jumbo

2007-06-11 09:15:58

ok. i've got this .ipd backup file but i cannot open it. will i need to purchase some type of software on-line to be able to open or utilize the backed up information?

R.I.C.

2007-06-11 12:57:35

I have found the answer to our question, to convert your blackberry ipd backup file run a search for "FREE BLACKEBERRY CONVERTERS" look for abc abmber blackberry converter and down load the free 30 day demo and it'll solve your problem it worked for me! let me know if it works for u

Stan

2007-06-12 02:24:26

I cannot open my saved BlackBerry backup file on my PC,how do i open it to access?

Frank

2007-06-12 18:07:29

Same as everybody else, How do I download the IPD file to read my contacts in my BB file??

Jay

ADMIN

2007-06-13 12:33:54

Basicaly, the only known application to open this file is 'ABC Amber BlackBerry Converter' (link can be found above), which is free to use for 30 days and then $19.95 to purchase.

If this is the answer you were/weren't looking for, please let us know.

Jon

2007-07-27 18:15:42

One could download Blackberry Simulator software from Research in Motion from na.blackberry.com/eng/developers/downloads/simulators.jsp, then using the standard Blackberry Deskop Software (also obtainable for free from RIM if needed) the .IPD can be restored to this simulated Blackberry. The simulated Blackberry can then be synchronized with a traditional PIM application, like MS Outlook. This solution is a bit cumbersome but it will work and uses software which is not trialware. Hope this helps. Your friendly neighborhood Blackberry Technical Support Rep.

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Blackberry Phone Backup File

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