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File Extension DAT
Name: DAT or .dat
Description: Data
files – these file extension DAT files are used by numerous
programs to store data and have no specified structure. In
fact, they can contain just about anything the developer
desires including text, graphics, or binary information.
Data files can often be viewed with editor programs to
determine the contents of the file and its relationship to
the program. In addition, a little bit of detective work is
often in order. You can look at the DAT file’s location to
determine to which program it might belong as well as the
DAT file’s date and time of creation to determine what
programs may have been open at the same time.
Author: Various
Category: Data files
File Type: Data files
Problems: Because of
the widespread use of DAT files and their unstructured
status, problems with DAT files are varied. Registry errors
are typical and often the easiest to deal when identified.
To rule out a DAT-related registry error, run our free
registry scan.
A common file
extension DAT file is the index.dat file stored on your
Windows computer. This file is a hidden file on your
computer used to store data about the websites you visit as
well as email you receive. Many people concerned with their
privacy want to remove their tracks by removing the
index.dat file. This file is not generally cleaned out when
you clear your browser’s history or remove temporary files.
Manual Removal
Instructions: To manually remove a DAT file, right-click the
Start button and click on Explore. This opens Windows
Explorer where you can search for the DAT files. Click on
your hard drive and then go to the Search bar. Type in:
*.DAT
This instructs Windows
to search the hard drive for any file ending with the
extension of .DAT. Windows displays a list of all DAT files
found on the drive. Navigate to the specific DAT you’d like
to delete. Right-click on the DAT file and click on Delete.
When asked if you are sure you want to send the DAT file to
the Recycle Bin, click on Yes.
Note: the index.dat
files are typically hidden. Click on Advanced Search and
enter a check mark in the box that says, “Include
non-indexed, hidden, and system files.” (Or something
similar depending on your operating system.)
Solution/Recommendations: If you are having trouble with the
DAT files or applications, make sure you are running the
latest version of the software once identified. Figuring out
which program a DAT file is associated with can be tricky
though clues such as the location of the file help you
determine this. Software updates and patches are often
released addressing known issues with the application. In
addition, DAT file corruption and missing DAT file
associations can often be linked to registry-related errors.
Because of this, we highly recommend a registry scan to rule
out potential DAT problems with the registry itself.
Resources:
http://blogs.msdn.com/wndp/archive/2006/08/04/WinInet_Index_dat.aspx
http://ask-leo.com/whats_a_dat_file.html
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