File Extension DAT Troubleshooting

Reader Question:
“Hi Wally, I am having problems with File Extension DAT and wondering how to fix it?“ - Brian D., New Zealand

Before addressing any computer issue, I always recommend scanning and repairing any underlying problems affecting your PC health and performance:

Step 1 : Download PC Repair & Optimizer Tool (WinThruster for Win 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP and 2000 – Microsoft Gold Certified).
Step 2 : Click “Start Scan” to find Windows registry issues that could be causing PC problems.
Step 3 : Click “Repair All” to fix all issues.

Setting up weekly (or daily) automatic scans will help prevent system problems and keep your PC running fast and trouble-free.

Wally’s Answer:

Overview of File Extension DAT

File Extension DAT can be any file connected with data, and therefore covers a large range of material including text, graphics, and binary information. The operating system uses this data to determine what sort of program to group the file with.

This will often point the way to which programs to use for opening the file, but if .DAT is the designation, the classification is too broad for such simplicity. DAT files can be structured in a significant number of formats.

Consider the multiplicity involved in just a typical online game. The programming may be in Allegro. The characters may be formatted in Chuzzle, and the sounds may be done with Commodore 64.

Video files and emails may also make use of these. DAT files are most commonly found with attachments. Notepads and other text editor services are often used to read them.

Various file conversion systems can be used to convert File Extension DAT into formats that can more easily be opened. They will be translated into DOC, TXT, XLS, or many other formats.

What Problems are Associated with File Extension DAT?

The easiest way to open a DAT file is by double-clicking on it, which will let the computer decide the best way to open it according to the Windows file association settings. If the file fails to open, the system likely lacks the application needed.

Video files can often be opened with PowerDirector or VDC Gear. WinMail Opener can be used on emails of this nature.

Caution is required in opening emails containing file extension DAT that comes from unfamiliar sources or emails. These extensions can contain material that will run operations in the computer designed into the material.

If you are attempting to open a DAT that will not open with a double click, go to “My Computer,” click “Tools,” and then “Folder Options.” Select the “View” tab and scroll down to “Hide extensions for known file types”. Uncheck this box, and the file type should be shown.

Right-click on it, and exchange the DAT designation for something appropriate. This can be JPG or GIF for images. If it is a Word Document, DOC would be appropriate. This may then allow you to open your “DAT” file with another program.

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Is Your PC Healthy?

I always recommend to my readers to regularly use a trusted registry cleaner and optimizer such as WinThruster or CCleaner. Many problems that you encounter can be attributed to a corrupt and bloated registry.

Happy Computing!

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About the Author

Wally PhillipsWindows Wally is a helpful guy. It’s just in his nature. It’s why he started a blog in the first place. He heard over and over how hard it was to find simple, plain-English solutions to Windows troubleshooting problems on the Internet. Enter: Windows Wally. Ask away, and he will answer.