How do you open a .DAT file using Quickbase?

Question

I downloaded a QB report as a spreadsheet (.csv) file and worked on analyzing and manipulating the data in the file.  I save it several times (not aware that I had not created a filename for it).  I located a .DAT file that may be it but can't figure out how to open the .DAT file with Quickbase.

ShawnRenn2 · Answer

a .DAT file type is a generic data file with no parent program associated with it. So it's kind of a mystery as to what program originally created the file.

Here's an article I found that gives some tips on determining the nature of the raw data in the .DAT file types, and some ways of identifying what program it originated from.

Ultimately it's trial and error, right-clicking the file, and choosing "Open With", and then trying programs until one is able to read the content. I would start with NotePad++ since it can read anything, and you might find some recognizable datapoints in the code that point you to the right program to use to restore it.

Happy Hunting!

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