How to Open DAT Files

DAT files are simply data files, hence the file extension .DAT, and they are usually hidden files, but not always. They are used by a variety of applications, and in order to know what to do with a DAT file, you really need to know what program created it. One way of deducing the type of data stored in a DAT file is to open the file and view its contents. However, you will quickly notice that DAT files cannot be opened with a simple text editor. You must have the appropriate software to open DAT files. Luckily, numerous DAT file readers exist on the Internet for free download.

Things You'll Need

DAT files

DAT file reader

Step 1

~Locate the DAT files stored on your computer~

Open Windows Search Companion by clicking on "Start" and then "Search."

Step 2

Click on "Tools," which is located in the horizontal menu bar at the top of the page, and then click on "Folder Options."

Step 3

Click on the "View" tab of the "Folder Options" window to configure the manner in which files are viewed on your computer.

Step 4

Select the option to "Show hidden files and folders," which is located beneath the "Hidden files and folders" section of the "Advanced Settings" menu of the "Folder Options" window. This will ensure that any hidden DAT files will appear in your computer search results.

Step 5

Deselect the options to "Hide extensions for known file types" and "Hide protected operating systems," which is located in the "Advanced Settings" menu of the "Folder Options" window directly below the "Hidden files and folders" section. This will ensure that your search results display the extension .DAT and that if any operating system DAT files exist on your computer, your results will display them.

Step 6

Click "Apply" to apply your folder options changes, and then click "OK" to exit the "Folder Options" window and return to the Search window.

Step 7

Set your search parameters to look in "All Files and Folders" in the "C Drive." Then input ".dat" into the search bar, and click "Search" to prompt your computer to search for all DAT files stored on your computer.

Step 8

~Open the DAT files with a DAT file reader~

Download a DAT file reader onto your computer. Numerous free DAT file reader downloads are offered on the website.

Step 9

Open the DAT file reader, and then open the DAT files within the reader to view the contents of them.

Tips

Restore your default file and folder options when you are finished conducting your search for DAT files by clicking on "Restore Defaults," which is located within the "View" tab of the "Folder Options" window.

Warnings

Beware of malicious software when downloading freeware to your computer.

Some DAT files will only open within the applications that created them. If that is the case, then simply click open on the DAT file (without external DAT file reader software) and select the option to let Microsoft help you locate the program with which the file was created.