Version ctrl/auto creation of Paradox .db files

In my database application, I want to be able to manage an internal version
number in each data file.
Does someone know how to add user-defined fields/record information into
the Paradox (.db) file header?
I would also be happy if someone came up with the Paradox (.db) file
format.

I'm also looking for a component that creates the data files if they don't
exist, and performs an upgrade to existing data files.

-> Robert