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File Extensions

.DAT Files

The .DAT file extension is a universal file type used as a reference to a generic "data" file.

Knowing that a file ends with a .DAT extension is not quite enough information to determine what it is or how to open it. This is because the .DAT extension is used for several different types of files, by several different software programs - including most computer operating systems (Windows XP, Vista and Leopard OS-X).

Rather than signify the program that created it – in the way a .XLS extension indicates an Excel file – .DAT extensions are not particular to any one program. In this case, the .DAT extension indicates only that the file contains data, without offering information about its origin.

In addition to the fact that data files are created by a number of programs, there are also two different kinds of data files that are written in different formats: text and binary. While the .DAT extension signifies a data file, it is only a generic reference.

Opening .DAT Files

In order to learn more about what kind of data is in a .DAT file and what you can do with it, you will need to know the program it was created from. Of course, the easiest way to find out the program used to create a file is to ask the person who created it, unfortunately that is not always possible. If you do not remember the program used to create a .DAT file, or are not able to access the information, there are other ways to investigate the file and discover the program originally used to create it.

If you know which application created the .DAT file and are unable to open the file, it is likely that you do not have the correct software application (or version) installed to open the file. If the correct software is installed and you still cannot open a .DAT file then you may be dealing with a totally different set of issues - a problem with the file association between the .DAT file extension, the software application that created it and the Windows Registry. Fortunately most file extension-related errors can be easily resolved by running a Windows Registry Optimizer which cleans the Registry and repairs many of these types of problems. These registry optimizer programs also tend to keep the Windows Registry working efficiently, speed up your PC or laptop and generally keep the computer functioning smoothly.

Solutions

Data files can be opened with a text editor like Microsoft Notepad. However, if the file is binary and was not created in a text editor, then a program like this might only be able to display part of the data in an intelligible form, but you might glean some indication of the program that created it. If the file is text-based, it can also be opened with Microsoft Word.

Opening unknown .DAT files might require a little trial and error. If you suspect an attachment is a movie or an image, you can experiment by changing the file extension and trying to open it with a media player or photo program. By adjusting the extension, you can troubleshoot an unknown file in a number of different software programs. Simply change the .DAT file extension to different file extensions - for example .AVI, .DOC, .MOV in the hope you find the right one. If you do plan to change the file extension it would be recommended that you keep an original copy in case the file is corrupted when it is opened with a software application that was not initially used to create it.

Security Issues With .DAT Files

Be wary of opening .DAT, or any other generic file for that matter, sent by someone you do not know or if you download it off the Internet. There have been cases where attachments disguised as .DAT files were actually viruses that were waiting to be activated when they were launched. Opening unknown .DAT files can present the danger of malware or virus infection. Before opening one of these file extensions ensure it comes from a source you trust, you have good anti-virus, anti-spyware, spam controls, privacy software, a registry cleaner and trusted data recovery tools activated and protecting your system.

Be sure to regularly scan attachments and all files in your computer system with an up to date anti-virus application or anti-spyware software, and ensure that it is really safe to open the .DAT file.

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