Unable to read .dat excel files in v2003

[dsears]

Is there any way to "add" to my version 2003 Excel the ability to read .dat
files?

 

[Bob I]

What is a .dat file?

 

[dsears]

Earlier versions of Excel spreadsheet files have .xls at the end. I believe
that the newer versions have .dat at the end.

 

[Gord Dibben]

*.dat files could have been created by a multitude of applications.

Excel is not one of them and will not open them.

See here for possible source of *.dat files

http://filext.com/alphalist.php?extstart=^D


Gord Dibben MS Excel MVP

 

[Geoff B]

You can open the file in notepad. If it is just raw data with no formatting
or program commands then you can save the file as a .txt and then open it in
XL and text to columns will (maybe) put the data into the appropriate
columns.
If there is any formatting or program commands from the program that
created this file then the file will be basically unusable unless you want to
spend a long time deleting the gobbledy gook from between the data you need.
If you have received the file from someone ask them to send it to you again
in the correct format. Most likely they have just sent you the wrong
download file from their system or they have assumed that you have the same
software that they use. Good luck.

 

[Dave Peterson]

If this .dat file was sent to you via email, read this thread:
http://groups.google.com/[email protected]

Especially, Gord's response.

 

[dsears]

Just to add to this discussion, I forwarded the winmail.dat excel file to
myself. I have XP, IE6, and Outlook. When it came back, I was able to open
it. Do not have any idea what changed but I got the information. Went back
and tried again to open the winmail file and could not. !!!!!

 

[dsears]

Just thought I would update this problem, which still has not been solved.
The original .xls file left the sender's computer as an email attachment.
Some where between his computer and Yahoo's server, winmail.dat was added to
the end of the file. Outlook brought the email in but would not take in the
attachment which now was 'file.xls winmail.dat'. I found that file in the
Yahool server mail. From there, I forwarded it to me and it came back as the
original .xls file and I was able to read it. Later this same situation
occurred with a .doc file (MSWord). I went to Yahoo to find the problem and
ended up with a Tech level 2 person. He duplicated the same problem with me
..doc file--he also could not read it as winmail.dat--forward and it can be
read as .doc. He was unable to find the problem and was to call back later.
No call. Will follow up with him if it occurs again.

 

[Bob I]

Have the sender stop using RTF format to send you e-mail. Use Plain Text
or HTML format instead.