Data files (DAT) are general data files used by many programs. Although these files are used by multiple applications, individual files are typically used only by the source application from which they were created. Because they are binary code, DAT files can usually be opened using any text editor application. The files are common, and can become numerous over time. DAT files can be removed by following a few simple steps.
Step 1
Open the Windows "Search" program. Right-click once on the Windows "Start" button and select "Search."
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Step 2
Type ".dat" into the blank "file name" field. When you search, this will limit the results to any file with ".dat" in its name.
Step 3
Choose a drive in which to search for the DAT files by using the "Look in" drop-down menu. Typically, if you are using a personal computer that is not connected to any network drive, the most common place for the DAT files will be the local hard drives.
Step 4
Click once on the "Search" button. The number of files on the drive that you are searching, as well as the speed of your computer, will affect the length of the search time.
Step 5
Click once on the "Type" header after the search has completed. This will sort the file types alphabetically and make it easier to find the DAT files.
Step 6
Select a DAT file by clicking once on it, or select multiple DAT files by clicking once on each file while holding down the "Control" (Ctrl) button. Press the "Delete" (Del) key once to remove the selected files. Click once on the "OK" button to confirm you want to delete the DAT files. In order to completely remove the DAT files from your computer, you may have to empty your computer's recycle bin.
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