how to open a .dat file

[can_t_open_a__dat_file]

How do I open a .dat file created by Adobe in Windows 7 (this file was downloaded from ceac website). I tried changing extension to PDF and unchecking "file extension under folder option) When I use Adobe Acrobat XI or Reader, it won't open

[Jorma_at_CoSo]

A) What Adobe application created the file?

B) What is a ceac website?

[can_t_open_a__dat_file]

Thank you for reply. CEAC is ceac.state.gove and it stands for Consular Electronic Application Center. It's where you fill out DS-160 Non-immigrant visa to USA. After inputting I saved and downloaded it to my Download folder called "ceac....dat" and desplays "save as type Acrobat. I tried every which way i.e. in Folder Option, View, and uncheck " file extensions for known filetypes". I also changed the extension from .dat to pdf but no luck. (I just want to read the finish ds-160 ). I even tried Notepad no luck. Thanks.

[Jorma_at_CoSo]

Hm, Since you can't simply download that document (and I'm not going to go through the process of applying for one), I'd recomend that you try downloading it again, maybe there was an error in how it was downloaded. You might also need to reach out to the DOS support staff to see if there is something that is being missed in the download process of your application.

Their online FAQ doesn't seem to offer much insight (maybe see if you can select what file type it saves as):

How do I save my DS-160 application to my computer hard drive or a disk?

Saving to a hard drive or disk will allow you to access your application after 30 days. To permanently save your application to your computer hard drive or a disk, select the “Save Application to File” button. Then, click the “Save” button on the File Download window. Identify a place on your computer to save the application, browse to that location, and click the “Save” button on the “Save As” window. The system will download your application to the specified location. Once the download is complete, you can click “Close” to return to the live application on our website. Note: Applications saved to the hard drive of a public or shared computer or memory device could likely be accessed by anyone else who uses the computer or device after you.

[can_t_open_a__dat_file]

This is my first time to join a forum and I didn't expect a reply but you did that's nice. Initially you asked which application created the file and it was Adobe Acrobat and I have that software so I don't know why this application can't open it. Thanks again.

[Jorma_at_CoSo]

Good luck, hope you get it resolved. For future reference the forum you started this thread in is for Adobe Connect, a web conferencing/eLearning platform Adobe has. There are a lot of forums out there, and the reason I asked about what Adobe product in the beginning is so I could get you to the appropriate forum, with people who would likely be be better experts than I. I don't know how much more help can be given from the Adobe community, but I have moved it an Acrobat forum to see if there is further insight that can be given.

[can_t_open_a__dat_file]

Thank you Jorma that is nice of you and I am hoping someone will email me and I will be happy.

[NetApex]

This is probably very late for the original poster, but hopefully it will help someone...

https://winmail.help/support/file-guide/ds-160

Essentially, you have to use the same website to read the file.