How to Edit a Dat File

This updated guide examines How to Edit a Dat File and organizes the essential facts, background, and practical takeaways in clear American English.

Method 1of 5:

Opening and Editing a DAT File

1. Open the DAT file using a text editor. You can use the text editor that comes with your computer, such as Microsoft's Notepad or OS X's TextEdit.
2. Look for clues about the file's origin. Sometimes, even if it's filled with unreadable characters, a DAT file will include some text that provides clues as to what type of file it is.^{[4]XResearch source}
   • For example, if you suspect a DAT file is actually a video file, you can try to open it in a video player.
   • If you edit a DAT file with unreadable characters and then save it, it will break the DAT file, making it unusable even if you opened it in the correct program.
3. Edit the DAT file. Make changes to the DAT file like you would any other text file, and then save the file.

Method 2of 5:

Changing the DAT File Extension in Windows

1. Make sure file extensions are visible. Before you can edit a file extension in Windows, you'll need to make sure file extensions visible. Open Windows Explorer. Go to a folder with files. If the file names are followed by a period (.) and three or more characters, then file extensions are visible. If not, then click here for instructions on making file extensions visible.
2. Rename a file extension. Find the file with the extension you want to change. Right-click the file you want to change, and then click Rename. Edit the file extension, and then pressEnter. In the dialog box, clickYesto complete the edit.^{[5]XResearch source}
   • If you're not sure what file extension to use, click here for some common file extensions.

Method 3of 5:

Changing the DAT File Extension in Mac OS X

1. Make sure file extensions are visible. Before you can edit a file extension in Windows, you'll need to make sure file extensions visible. Open Windows Explorer. Go to a folder with files. If the file names are followed by a period (.) and three or more characters, then file extensions are visible. If not, then click here for instructions on making file extensions visible.
2. Rename a file extension. Find the file with the extension you want to change. Right-click the file, and then click Get Info. In the File Info window, in the Name & Extension field, edit the file's extension. When you're done, close the window. In the dialog box, clickKeepfor the file extension you'd like to use.

Method 4of 5:

Making File Extensions Visible in Windows

1. Open the Control Panel. ClickStart, and then click Control Panel. In the Control Panel, click Appearance and Personality.
2. Make file extensions visible. Click Folder Options. Click the View tab, and then, under Advanced settings, uncheck Hide extensions for known file types.^{[6]XResearch source}
3. Make extensions visible on Windows 8. Open Windows Explorer, and then click the View tab. ClickOptions, and then clickChange folder and search options. Under Advanced settings, scroll down and uncheck Hide extensions for known file types. ClickApply.

Method 5of 5:

Making File Extensions Visible in Mac OS X

1. Open the Finder preferences. Open the Finder. Click the Finder menu, and then click Preferences.
2. Make extensions visible. Click the Advanced tab. Check Show all filename extensions. Close Finder Preferences.