Data File

What is DAT?

DAT (.dat) files are generic data files that store information for specific applications. The content can be text, binary data, configuration settings, game saves, email attachments, or video files. Unlike standardized formats, DAT files have no universal structure - each application defines its own DAT file format.

Common examples include Windows Registry hives (ntuser.dat), Winmail.dat email attachments, VCD video files (MPEG), game save data, and database files. To open a DAT file, you typically need the program that created it, though some DAT files are actually standard formats (like video or text) with a different extension.

History

The .dat extension has been used since early computing as a generic "data file" indicator. Different software developers adopted it for various data storage purposes.

Key Milestones

• 1980s: DOS applications use .dat for data
• 1990s: Windows Registry DAT files
• 1993: Video CDs use MPEG DAT files
• 2000s: Game saves and application data
• Present: Widely used generic data format

Key Features

Core Capabilities

• Flexible Format: Text or binary data
• Application Data: Program-specific storage
• Multiple Uses: Config, saves, databases
• Registry Hives: Windows system data
• Video Files: VCD MPEG format
• Email Attachments: Winmail.dat (TNEF)

Common Use Cases

Advantages

• Flexible format for any data
• Application-specific optimization
• Simple extension naming
• Can be text or binary
• Widely used convention
• No format restrictions

Disadvantages

• No standard format
• Requires specific software to open
• Difficult to identify content
• Not portable between applications
• Can be confusing for users

Technical Information

Format Specifications

Common Tools

• VCD Video: VLC Media Player
• Text Editors: Notepad++ (if text)
• Hex Editors: HxD (binary inspection)
• Winmail: TNEF's Enough, Winmail Opener