File extension .DAT
| Full Name | Developer | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Program Data Format | N/A | Data Files |
The DAT file extension is used by a variety of software programs and utilities for storing data. It typically contains plain text, numeric or binary data which can be read by a wide range of software applications. Generally speaking, DAT files are not specifically tied to any one program, but rather can be created by many programs that allow users to save or send data. For example, personal information exchange files such as Windows Address Book (.wab), Outlook Storage Folder (.pst), and Palm Desktop Address Link (.alk) files are saved with the DAT extension.
Technical Details
The structure of a DAT file may vary greatly depending on how it was created and the type of data it stores. A big reason for this versatility is that such files contain pointers to other files, links to resources, or a combination of plain text, binary, and structured binary records. Consequently, some DAT files will open easily when given to applicable software while other DAT files will require specific data readers or converters. Additionally, certain versions of Microsoft Office generate temporary files that bear the same DAT extension but have nothing else in common with other DAT files.
Similar file extensions include MP4, M4V, AVI, MKV, and .FLV. Software programs that are known to open DAT files include Microsoft Excel (part of the Microsoft Office suite), Apple Numbers (part of the iWork suite), Visual FoxPro (part of Microsoft Visual Studio), GIMP (an open-source image editing program), Wolfram Mathematica (a mathematical symbolic computation application) and Corel VideoStudio. Other programs listed below which are known to open DAT files include Adobe Dreamweaver, Adobe Fireworks, Corel WordPerfect Office, Apache OpenOffice Calc, Apple TextEdit, Vivaldi web browser, and Eclipse Luna.
Programs for WINDOWS system
Yahoo! Instant Messenger 
Miranda IM 
Skype 
AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) 
Inno Setup 
Firefox 
Microsoft Word 
Microsoft Windows 
Safari for Microsoft Windows 
Pegasus Mail 
Microsoft Exchange Server 
KaZaa 
BitDefender 
AVG Antivirus 
MapInfo 
LabVIEW 
XnView 
Nero Multimedia Suite 
Corel WordPerfect 
Corel WordPerfect Office 
FileAlyzer - Ontrack EasyRecovery
- Peachtext
- SmartWare
- Norton SystemWorks
- Allegro
- PSpice
- Mini-Flash Programming Software
- Winmail Opener
- Clarion
- CA Anti-Spyware
- LogiKal
- ZEMAX
- Palm Desktop
- 602PC Suite
- Daqarta
- My Personal Programmer
- BrainVoyager QX
- SeeYou
- UFOCaptureV2
Programs for MAC system
Programs for Android system
After installing the required software, the operating system will usually automatically associate an unknown file type (in this case .DAT) with the new application. If this does not happen, we can help the system a bit by selecting the software for it, which it should always use to open files with the .DAT extension.
When choosing the software we can select the system to use this software every time.
Remember!
Using it for the first time it is good to check whether the .DAT file opened in the application can be read by us and opens in a way that allows us to use it. If everything is in order, select this option the next time you open a file with the .DAT extension. However, if the file has not opened correctly, we have to look for a different software, with which we can open files with the .DAT extension. Select a different software from our list and install it on your computer. After the software is installed, repeat inspection openings of a .DAT file. Sometimes you have to repeat the operation several times.
Other instructions
If none of the programs listed by us to work with the .DAT file has not meet your expectations, you can try searching other websites. But remember to avoid downloading programs "that can open any file". These applications not only have very limited functionality, but may also expose you to expense tens of dollars when purchasing a license.
In the vast majority of cases you will find the program dedicated to support the .DAT file, or any other file format. In addition, there is a chance that it will be a free program, and its functionality (concerning the .DAT file) will be extended to the maximum.
It is also good to check
- if the .DAT file has no errors
- or if it has been copied (or downloaded by the browser) thoroughly
Author’s guidelines
Mr B. Adam
Author of the guidelines / Founder of FileExtension.info
New technologies enthusiast, helping to solve problems with the files.
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