What is a DQY file?
A .DQY file is a Microsoft Excel Query file. It contains plain text instructions that tell Microsoft Excel how to connect to an external database and retrieve specific data. These files usually include an ODBC (Open Database Connectivity) connection string and a SQL query. Because .DQY files are saved in plain text, you can open them to inspect the connection details and the query itself.
How to open DQY files?
The primary software to execute a .DQY file is Microsoft Excel. When you double-click the file, Excel attempts to connect to the database and import the results into a spreadsheet. If you only want to view the connection string or the SQL command, you can open the file with any standard text editor, such as Notepad or Visual Studio Code.
Best practices and troubleshooting
Because .DQY files execute queries on external databases, you should always verify the source before opening them in Excel. A malicious query could potentially access or modify sensitive data if your user account has high privileges. If your computer does not have the correct ODBC drivers installed, Excel will fail to run the query. In these cases, inspecting the plain text of the .DQY file can help you determine which database driver is missing.
Software and tools
You can manage .DQY files using Microsoft Excel for execution, or simple text editors like Notepad++ for editing. If you cannot open the file or you want to inspect it safely, viewer.online/dqy can analyze .DQY files to identify the exact format and creator software, inspect the file structure, extract readable text, and check whether an online preview is available.
Summary
viewer.online/dqy is a fast and secure way to inspect the plain text and database connection strings inside your query files. It is extremely useful for identifying, inspecting, and understanding .DQY files without installing software or dealing with compatibility problems.