A DAT file is a generic data file. It contains data that may be opened or referenced by a specific application. While some DAT files can be opened directly, most contain program data that is referenced the program when it is running. Therefore, most DAT files are not meant to be opened manually.
Since ".dat" is a generic extension, it may be used by multiple programs. This can make it difficult to know how to open a DAT file. However, if the DAT file is saved in a text format, you can view the contents of the file by opening it in a text editor.
File Format:
Standard file format supported by many programs.
File Usage:
Open file directly.
May be referenced by an open application.
Open With:
Windows:
May be viewable with a text editor Original program that created the file
Macintosh:
May be viewable with a text editor Original program that created the file
Last Revised: November 11, 2009
Kind 2:
VCD Video File
Information:
Video stream from a Video CD (VCD) disc; typically saved in MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 format; contains the actual video data that is played from the VCD.
Important: Video CD players should play the video from the DAT files without having to open the files manually.
File Format:
Standard file format supported by many programs.
File Usage:
Open file directly.
May be referenced by an open application.
Open With:
Windows:
Microsoft Mail for Windows Microsoft Outlook WMDecode for Windows WinMail Decoder Pro
Last Revised: March 25, 2010
Kind 3:
Exchange E-mail Attachment
Information:
Files named Winmail.dat contain formatting information for Rich Text (.RTF) messages sent from a Microsoft Exchange Server. A Winmail.dat file may be appended to the end of an e-mail when the recipient's e-mail client does not support RTF-formatted messages.
File Format:
Proprietary file format used by Microsoft software.
File Usage:
Referenced by an application. Should not be opened manually.
Open With:
Windows:
CyberLink PowerDirector CyberLink PowerProducer River Past Video Cleaner VCDGear
May be viewable with a text editor
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