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Participating Frequently
November 18, 2022
Answered

DAT File Repair

I just started a project for a client where one of the clips sent to me is is the unusable .DAT file format. I haven't had much luck looking for decent repair options online, does anyone know of any reliable services for this issue? 

 

Sumeet_Kumar_ChoubeyCorrect answer
Adobe Employee
June 24, 2025

Hi there,

DAT file is a general-purpose data file that may or may not be a media file. Without knowing which application created it, it's difficult to determine its contents. You can try the expert's suggestion to see if any external transcoders recognize it. If that doesn't work, it would be best to check with your client or with the source for clarification. If it's meant to be a media file, they may be able to provide it in a supported media format.

 

Thanks,

Sumeet

8 replies

Community Expert
June 24, 2025

I would try Handbrake, it seems to transcode most formats.

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Ann Bens
Community Expert
Community Expert
November 20, 2022

Try changing the DAT extension to MPG.

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Participant
June 24, 2025

having the same issue. chaning the extension does not work. DAT needs to be reindexed. any idea how this an be done online for free?

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Sumeet_Kumar_ChoubeyCorrect answer
Adobe Employee
June 24, 2025

Hi there,

DAT file is a general-purpose data file that may or may not be a media file. Without knowing which application created it, it's difficult to determine its contents. You can try the expert's suggestion to see if any external transcoders recognize it. If that doesn't work, it would be best to check with your client or with the source for clarification. If it's meant to be a media file, they may be able to provide it in a supported media format.

 

Thanks,

Sumeet

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