| File Type 1 |
Data File (Most common) |
| File Format |
File |
| Common? |
No |
| File Description |
Generic data file created by a specific application and typically accessed only by that application; may contain data in text or binary format; text-based DAT files can be viewed in a text editor.
Many programs create, open, or reference DAT files; some examples include:
Microsoft Visual Studio, Corel WordPerfect, Nero ShowTime, Nullsoft Winamp, SoftVelocity Clarion, Ontrack EasyRecovery, Runtime GetDataBack, and MapInfo software. |
| Program(s) that open dat files |
Mac / Windows: Original program that created the file; May be viewable with a text editor |
| File Type 2 |
Exchange E-mail Attachment |
| File Format |
Proprietary File |
| Common? |
No |
| File Description |
Winmail.dat files contain formatting information for Rich Text (RTF) messages sent from Microsoft Exchange Server; they are added to the end of e-mails when a recipient's e-mail client does not support RTF messages; the Winmail.dat file is not useful to users that do not use Outlook or Exchange Server to retrieve their mail.
Read more about Winmail.dat files, including how to prevent them from being sent. |
| Program(s) that open dat files |
Windows: Microsoft Mail for Windows; Microsoft Outlook; WinMail Decoder Pro; WMDecode for Windows |
| File Type 3 |
VCD Video File |
| File Format |
Standard File |
| Common? |
No |
| File Description |
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.
NOTE: Video CD players should play the video from the DAT files without having to open the files manually. |
| Program(s) that open dat files |
Mac: VCDGear
Windows: CyberLink PowerDirector; River Past Video Cleaner; VCDGear
Unix: VCDGear |
|
