A file with the .dat extension is found in almost all programs installed on a computer terminal. Naturally, many users are wondering how to open a DAT file, especially since there are many prerequisites for such interest. The fact is that this extension can correspond to a huge number of programs, although in most cases it is essentially information files, the format abbreviation of which is derived from the English Data. Let's try to figure out what's what.

Options for using DAT files

As for what this extension is associated with, there can be quite a lot of options. Therefore, it is absolutely impossible to say that any program for DAT files is universal. The most interesting thing is that even applications that can open files of this type are completely different in their focus.

For example, apart from storing data, a DAT file may be an archived attachment Email, registry file, compatibility file computer games each other, the cache file in Internet Explorer, video file, DOS or Windows data file, etc. As you can see, there are quite a lot of options. Let's look at the most basic ones.

Text editors

The most simple method The solution to the problem of how to open a DAT file is to use a regular text editor like Notepad or a more advanced version like Notepad++, which is capable of displaying the syntax of a programming language.

True, there is one nuance here. At best, the user will see a mass of strange characters, less often - binary code. So this method is only suitable for extreme cases, and then only after using utilities like Disassembler, which allow you to restore source after compilation.

Registry Files

One of the most common is the DAT file in the form ntuser.dat, which is registry data that stores user information (directory key HKEY_CURRENT_USER).

In principle, there is no need for an inexperienced ordinary user to open such a file, since incorrect handling of the system registry and the entries stored in it can lead not only to undesirable, but even catastrophic consequences.

Games

Sometimes DAT files are a means of saving settings or completed levels in a particular game. In addition, the use of files of this type also carries the meaning that games from different manufacturers according to their settings they can be compatible with each other. This is especially true for files like level.dat, in particular in the game Minecraft.

Uninstallers

Some files with the .dat extension can be used by application installers and uninstallers. In particular, application installation and removal files created using Inno Setup may contain in the root directory with the installed program a special file unins000.exe, to which a DAT file is attached, which is responsible for the correct removal of the application.

Cache

In the question of how to open a DAT file, another variation is the solution associated with the usual means of accessing the World Wide Web using Internet browser Explorer. The DAT file is a cache. In other words, such a file stores data about changes to pages visited, for example, if the page itself remains unchanged when refreshed or returned using the “Back” button. True, this technology is no longer relevant and is used only in older versions of IE.

For many browsers, such files can be used as a means of storing personal data such as logins and passwords for accessing certain Internet resources.

Email

Among the most common formats of this type are email attachments, messages of which are created or received using the included Windows utilities called Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Exchange.

In this case, the file is called winmail.dat and is responsible for the correct sending and receiving of messages in terms of formatting. This is especially true for receiving messages by email clients that do not support the .rtf format.

Video

The most popular previously was the DAT file format, which was a video. On this moment this technology is outdated. However, some old digitized video recordings can still be found today.

Unfortunately, not a single program of this type, which allows you to understand how to open a DAT file, establishes its own association with this format. So you have to open files of this type in manual mode, indicating the path through various menus such as “Open”, “Play”, etc.

The most simple example CyberLink PowerDVD application can serve. Essentially, the DAT file in this case is the same container in which the source material is packaged using the MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 codec. In principle, discs on which such video is recorded are usually called VCD (or Video CD). As is already clear, this format has not been used for a very long time.

Conclusion

As you can see, DAT files are in most cases very specific and relate more to software environment. So, in general, it’s not worth opening them, unless it’s an outdated video format. All the same, for the average user they will be, to put it mildly, useless.

The most common problem that prevents users from opening this file is an incorrectly assigned program. To fix this in Windows OS, you need to right-click on the file, in the context menu, hover the mouse over the “Open with” item, and select “Select a program...” from the drop-down menu. As a result you will see a list installed programs on your computer, and you can choose the appropriate one. We also recommend checking the box next to “Use this application for all DAT files.”

Another problem that our users also encounter quite often is that the DAT file is corrupted. This situation can arise in many cases. For example: the file was downloaded incompletely as a result server errors, the file was damaged initially, etc. To fix this problem, use one of the recommendations:

• Try to find required file in another source on the Internet. You may have luck finding a more suitable version. Example Google search: "File filetype:DAT" . Just replace the word "file" with the name you want;
• Ask them to send you the original file again, it may have been damaged during transmission;

You are here because you have a file that has a file extension ending in .dat. Files with the .dat extension can only be launched by certain programs. It is possible that .dat files are data files and not documents or media, which means they are not intended to be viewed at all.

what is a .dat file?

Files in DAT format are added with a .dat extension and can be authored, opened and edited using the appropriate application Microsoft Windows or Mac software that was used to create the DAT file. These DAT files are shared files data that can also be opened using any editing application Microsoft text Windows or any text editor designed for Mac platforms. These DAT files can be encoded in a plain text format, and some DAT files are implemented with binary encoding specifications. Users of Microsoft Windows based systems can use Notepad text Microsoft editor to open the DAT file, and Mac users can use any Apple text editor to do this, although it is advisable to define a special software, which was designed to create or open and view content stored in a DAT file. For example, some VCDs contain DAT files that can be opened and viewed from using Microsoft Windows Media Player and when you open these DAT files with Microsoft Notepad, binary codes displayed and non-video content is stored in a DAT file.

how to open .dat file?

Launch the .dat file or any other file on your computer by double-clicking it. If your file associations are configured correctly, the application that is intended to open your .dat file will open it. You may need to download or purchase the correct application. It is also possible that you have the correct application on your computer, but the .dat files are not yet associated with it. In this case, when you try to open a .dat file, you can tell Windows which application is correct for this file. From then on, opening the .dat file will open the correct application.

applications that open .dat file

a word of warning

Be careful not to rename the extension on .dat files or any other files. This will not change the file type. Only special program To convert, you can change the file from one file type to another.

what is the file extension?

A file extension is the set of three or four characters at the end of a file name, in this case,  .dat. File extensions tell you what type of file it is, and tell Windows what programs it can open. Windows often associates a default program for each file extension, so that when you double-click the file, the program launches automatically. Even though a program is no longer on your computer, you may sometimes receive an error message when you try to open the file in question.

The DAT file can be found in many applications and system folders. This is a kind of universal extension that contains scenarios for executing certain tasks. For the most part, the average user does not need these files at all, since it will be difficult to understand the contents. However, in some games it is in the DAT files that the controls change. Try to open it using this article.

How to open DAT with a text editor

Indeed, any user can open this format with any text editor, however, if the DAT was created in Nero and you try to open it with Notepad, it may not work. The Data File opens only in the editor that was used to create it.

Find your DAT file and right-click on it. Depending on the operating system version, you may see the “Open” or “Open with” option. Click on this item.

A notification will appear on the screen stating that this type of file cannot be opened. To continue, you need to select your text editor manually. Check the box next to “Select a program from the list of installed programs” and click “Ok”

First, uncheck the box next to “Use the selected program for all files of this type.” This setting will become a problem for future reading of such DAT files.

Now refer to the list of programs.

Find the Notepad program in the list. Click on it and click “Ok” at the bottom of the window.

As you can see, the file opens easily. But this does not always work.

Inside you will find descriptions of the files, their scripts or accompanying data.

Other programs for DAT file

If you are unable to open DAT with Notepad or another text editor, try a program from this list:

• RADIANCE;
• GLPK;
• DataFlex;
• Trillian;
• TomTom Navigator
• Novell NetWare;
• iPhoto

This also applies to mobile devices, for example, on an Android phone you can open the .dat extension with a simple browser from Opera. Just click on the file and search for the corresponding program manually.

How to open Winmail.dat file

The familiar Winmail.dat format is usually sent to you by mail. It performs approximately the same function as a regular DAT file. Winmail.dat contains data about text formatting, if any. If you need to view this file, then just download special software.

In the “Download” line you will see two green links:

• The .exe file will download the Windows installer to your computer;
• And the file with the .apk extension will be downloaded to your computer by the Android installer.

To open the format on your computer, download the first option.

Once the file is downloaded to your computer, double-click on it. The installer will ask your permission to change some files, which you need to agree to.
After that, accept license agreement by checking the box next to the line “I accept the agreement”. Click “Next”.

After this, you have to select the directory where the program is located, the name of the folder and create shortcuts.

At the end of the installation you will see this window. Complete the process.

That's all, the program will open itself and you can open the file using the “Open winmail.dat” button.

How to open Winmail.dat on your phone

You may encounter such files on your smartphone. Fortunately, the Android and iOS OS provide a convenient system for finding the required utility.

Find DAT or Winmail.dat on your phone. Click on this file.

As soon as a notification appears on the screen that the file cannot be opened, click “Search”.

In a couple of moments, PlayMarket will open in front of you with already the desired program. You just need to click “Install”. Installation may take a few minutes.

The application will appear on your desktop. Enter it.

Follow the instructions on the screen - just press your finger in the middle of the empty space.

This completes the installation and file search. Click on the DAT or Winmail.dat file and it will open in a few seconds.

- Extension (format) is the characters at the end of the file after the last dot.
- The computer determines the file type by its extension.
- By default, Windows does not show file name extensions.
- Some characters cannot be used in the file name and extension.
- Not all formats are related to the same program.
- Below are all the programs that can be used to open the DAT file.

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