Updated 21 May. 2023

Windows and Mac DAT file recovery

DAT recovery

Best 5 data recovery software for DAT, Data File

Disk Drill
Free version, Pro version $89
Free recovery: Free recovery - 500 MB for Windows
Download
rateDisk Drill
666762
UltData
from $45.95
Free recovery: Free recovery - 500MB
Download
rateUltData
1054581
iCare Data Recovery Free
Free, Home $69.99, Workstation US$89.99, Technitian 289.99
Free recovery: Free recovery - 1GB
Download
rateiCare Data Recovery Free
71211
Lazesoft
Freeware
Free recovery: Freeware
Download
rateLazesoft
611
DoYourData
Free, Pro $69, Technician $299.00
Free recovery: Free recovery - 1GB
Download
rateDoYourData
2842

Summary review

windows icon Our Windows version Windows 11
time icon How long we tested 3 weeks
exam icon Number of tested tools 15

3 important things to consider when choosing DAT recovery software

Operating system availability

Data loss can occur on any operating system but not all data recovery programs support multiple platforms. Make sure the app you choose is fully compatible with the OS you run or, at least, has a version for that platform particularly. Certain programs even allow the recovery of storage media formatted for a different operating system entirely.

Look out for extra features

While a data recovery program’s retrieval capabilities are certainly its most important aspect, the extra features it brings to the table certainly add a lot of value. For example, some apps come with a drive backup feature while others allow the repair of compromised/damaged files, both of which can come in very handy.

Wide file type support

Whether it’s pictures, documents, audio, or file types, it’s a good idea to select a recovery program that supports the retrieval of a wide range of file extensions. Once you’re done recovering your files this time around, you may need to use the program again in the future for a different file type.

Simple steps to recover deleted DAT, Data File on Windows & Mac

Step 1:

Download the application to either a Mac or WIndows machine and install it

Step 2:

Fire up the software and prepare for scanning by selecting the disk that contained the lost files

Step 3:

Click Recover to scan the disk for recoverable data

Step 4:

Select the files to be recovered from the preview and then click Recover to perform the restoration

3 tips on how to prevent DAT files loss

1 Tip

Create an image at the first sign of storage failure. If you notice that your storage device is starting to fail, you should immediately create a backup image of the medium so that you can attempt data recovery later. That way, you can preserve whatever information is currently on the drive before it incurs further data loss.

2 Tip

Keep work and leisure separate. It’s always a good idea to have a separate computer/laptop for work and general use. If you keep installing and uninstalling programs on a machine, it will hasten the rate at which the operating system might break down. And when it finally does become unstable, you could lose some important data in the process.

3 Tip

Avoid suspicious emails and files. Suspicious emails are rife with phishing emails and other forms of malicious files. Accessing the contents of these emails could severely compromise the security of your computer. This could lead to hackers accessing your machine, putting your important files in jeopardy. So if you see a suspicious email, simply delete it.

FAQ

If you find that DAT files are randomly being deleted from your computer, it’s a good indication that your hard drive is failing. In these cases, it’s a good idea to make a backup image of the drive to avoid further data loss. Another reason is that your computer has been infected by a virus or some form of malware.

For Windows, if you deleted the DAT file using the Delete key or right-click > Delete command, then you should be able to find it in the Recycle Bin. On Mac, deleted X files are moved to the Trash before being deleted permanently. If your file is not present in either of these tools, you’ll need to utilize a free data recovery program.

Data recovery software often saves recovered files in a specified directory which you can then access through Windows File Explorer. Disk Drill, for example, is one of the best data recovery programs around and includes a button at the end of the retrieval process that will open the folder where your recovered DAT files are located.