Thread: *.DAT files?

  1. #1
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    *.DAT files?

    I've got two questions about these:

    1.) Is it possible to read and edit these files using C++. And does anyone have any example source code for doing this.

    2.) Does anyone know a program that I can have a look at these files. As when I try to open the documents from Windows it just says I doont have a program that can open DAT files.
    I'm using Bloodsheds Dev-C++ Compiler.

    JamMan..

    Curious if I can live forever? CLICK HERE

  2. #2
    Linguistic Engineer... doubleanti's Avatar
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    unfortunately the extention .dat is multi-formated... but if by coincidence you are using allegro and it's grabber utility, the grabber can read those packed files... if not, then ignore...
    hasafraggin shizigishin oppashigger...

  3. #3
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    Forgive the thickness and the lack of computer and programming knowledge, but whats Allegro??

    I'll try an explain better. I have got *.DAT files containing information that I would like to use in my program, but don't know if its possible.
    Also is there a windows program for reading these files, because notepad won't.
    I'm using Bloodsheds Dev-C++ Compiler.

    JamMan..

    Curious if I can live forever? CLICK HERE

  4. #4
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    *.DAT files can contain anything. You must know in which format the files are in order to read them.

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    How can I tell which format the are in? Is it possible to email someone a couple as attachments, you could use the email button on this BB to send me your email add. So they can have look and tell us. And then advise me if I can incoporiate these into my programming or look at the contents?

    Thanks for all the help.
    I'm using Bloodsheds Dev-C++ Compiler.

    JamMan..

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  6. #6
    Linguistic Engineer... doubleanti's Avatar
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    well, it's arbitrary... where did you recieve these files? then maybe we can help you with a format better...
    hasafraggin shizigishin oppashigger...

  7. #7
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    They are *.DAT files of a footbal management game for the PC. They contain player names, data, etc..
    I wold like to make a program that can read this data and then edit it so I can make it more upto date.
    I'm using Bloodsheds Dev-C++ Compiler.

    JamMan..

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  8. #8
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    Then, you'll have to figure out how it works!
    // Gliptic

  9. #9
    and the hat of int overfl Salem's Avatar
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    You'll need a hex editor to start with
    If you dance barefoot on the broken glass of undefined behaviour, you've got to expect the occasional cut.
    If at first you don't succeed, try writing your phone number on the exam paper.

  10. #10
    Confused Magos's Avatar
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    another tip

    Some data files (especially *.INI files) can be opened in Notepad for editing. Try that, you might have luck...
    MagosX.com

    Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day.
    Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.

  11. #11
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    Already tried Word Pad, but the text appears as:
    þþÿþÿþÿDavid¥QþÿþÿþÿÿÿCarlQþÿ...

    When what I wanted was:
    David
    Carl

    Salem, whats a hex editor and where can I get one?
    I'm using Bloodsheds Dev-C++ Compiler.

    JamMan..

    Curious if I can live forever? CLICK HERE

  12. #12
    and the hat of int overfl Salem's Avatar
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    A selection
    http://directory.google.com/Top/Comp...s/Hex_Editors/

    Try some of the download sites like www.download.com

    > þþÿþÿþÿ
    These will be integers - say a score, or a string length, or ....
    Look at these using the hex editor, and with patience, you should be able to figure out what the file means.

    At least it doesn't seem to be compressed or encrypted.
    If you dance barefoot on the broken glass of undefined behaviour, you've got to expect the occasional cut.
    If at first you don't succeed, try writing your phone number on the exam paper.

  13. #13
    Linguistic Engineer... doubleanti's Avatar
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    lol, well i must say that for this i am thankful for not applying the DIY method i usually flaunt being a dosfreak...
    hasafraggin shizigishin oppashigger...

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