DAT File Extension

What is DAT file?

Files with DAT extension contain text or binary data. Due to the fact, that it is a general extension , such files may include data from various programs, of a highly complex storing structure, meaning and size. The universal DAT extension describes a file containing some sort of data. Formatting of this data depends on the program which created or utilises the given file.

Sometimes, DAT files include data which is an element of a program, therefore they should not be modified manually. If the data is stored as a text, they can be opened with any text editor. DAT files can be stored in CSV format – in such case, they can be imported and converted.

Programs which support DAT file extension

The following list contains programs grouped by 5 operating systems that support DAT files. Files with DAT suffix can be copied to any mobile device or system platform, but it may not be possible to open them properly on target system.

Updated: 10/04/2019

How to open file with DAT extension?

Being unable to open files with DAT extension can be have various origins. What is important, all common issues related to files with DAT extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with DAT files.

Step 1. Get the Yahoo! Instant Messenger

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening DAT files is that no program that can handle DAT files is installed on user’s system. The most obvious solution is to download and install Yahoo! Instant Messenger or one to the listed programs: Skype, Miranda IM, AOL Instant Messenger (AIM). On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. If you want to download Yahoo! Instant Messenger installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit Yahoo, Inc. website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Check the version of Yahoo! Instant Messenger and update if needed

If you already have Yahoo! Instant Messenger installed on your systems and DAT files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. If you have an older version of Yahoo! Instant Messenger installed, it may not support DAT format. The latest version of Yahoo! Instant Messenger should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Set the default application to open DAT files to Yahoo! Instant Messenger

If you have the latest version of Yahoo! Instant Messenger installed and the problem persists, select it as the default program to be used to manage DAT on your device. The next step should pose no problems. The procedure is straightforward and largely system-independent

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Clicking the DAT with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
• Next, select the Choose another app option and then using More apps open the list of available applications
• Finally select Look for another app on this PC, point to the folder where Yahoo! Instant Messenger is installed, check the Always use this app to open DAT files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• Right-click the DAT file and select Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• Select Yahoo! Instant Messenger and click Change for all...
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with DAT extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Check the DAT for errors

You closely followed the steps listed in points 1-3, but the problem is still present? You should check whether the file is a proper DAT file. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

1. Check the DAT file for viruses or malware

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the DAT file hinders attempts to open it. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. DAT file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

2. Verify that the DAT file’s structure is intact

If the DAT file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. It is possible that the file has not been properly copied to a data storage and is incomplete and therefore cannot be opened. It could happen the the download process of file with DAT extension was interrupted and the file data is defective. Download the file again from the same source.

3. Verify whether your account has administrative rights

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the Data Format file.

4. Check whether your system can handle Yahoo! Instant Messenger

The operating systems may note enough free resources to run the application that support DAT files. Close all running programs and try opening the DAT file.

5. Ensure that you have the latest drivers and system updates and patches installed

Regularly updated system, drivers, and programs keep your computer secure. This may also prevent problems with Data Format files. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with DAT files affecting older versions of given software.

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