Hi,

I really hope I dont claim you too much.

A longer time ago one of my partitions crashed. There was one thing left I couldnt rebuilt. It was a MPEG Video. This crash or whatever turned it into a "Dat-File".

G Spot >> Audio> MPEG1 Layer2
Video> Codec>MPEG1_Pa Name>MPEG1

Container>CDXA MPEG-1 System Stream

1.None, already VCD Format
2.None, already VCD Format

Is it possible to turn it back into a videofile?

Try renaming extension to .MPG and playing it.

Thank you....

but how can I rename extension ? Sorry, dont know how to do it.

i guess you use XP
There are many ways to rename: from the command line, in DOS, with good old proggies like norton commander or in WIN with Total Commander...

Yes, im using XP.

Dont know about the command line in DOS, never did something similar.

Can I download the Norton Commander as freeware or do I have to purchase it? Is it easy to use?

Anyway, dont want to waste too much of your time. Its just a video.

Thank you!

However, if you had errors from crash. First recommend you run CHKDSK /f
Go to start menu....RUN (box) and type it in.

Renaming file if still present...
Could use REN command in DOS as second option. Otherwise, try WINXP first which is not too dificult.

Are extensions visible by default? If not...
OPen Windows Explorer.. Tools..Folder Options
View tab.. Under Hidden files and folders
deselect hide extensions for known filetypes

Navigate to the file. Hit F2 (or manually select extension)
rename .dat to .mpg

So far so good.

I used A) CHKDSH/f to rename it.

The name now is "Prodigy-Breathe.mpeg"

Under this name still stands "Dat-File" and there is no Playersymbol, only this DAT-File sign to click on.

But its playable now with any player , if the player is chosen from the programlist. Not automatically when clicked on.

Is there a way to give the file a playersymbol, to be opend automatically when clicked on?

At least now its more important for me to know how to that stuff, than having the video.

Thank you!

Don't know what player you use?

Check prefs in player you use and correct the association. What you have to do is associate MPG filetype with your video/audio player so when you automatically click on it, it will open/play in that default player.

Is it still identified by Windows as a DAT???

Well, if you can't change its real extension i suggest download Total Commander from here for example:



It's a shareware but you can use its functions.
Just run the program (then click the number suggested (evaluation)).

You'll see the directory structure of your comp. in 2 windows.
Browse in both windows for the file, then click on the file (once), click on "Move" or press F6 and you'll see the real filename and extension. Delete the last part (i think it's .dat) and type "mpeg" after the filename.
Then should see : "xxxx.mpeg" where "xxxx" is not important, can be anything (it's the filename) and the very end is the extension (.mpeg). press OK.
That's an MPEG now...

CHDSK doesn't rename it. It fixes errors (if any) on your hard drive.

Hmmm.. i suspect you didn't rename it properly in WINXP. I posted a step-by-step guide. The file is likely called "Prodigy-Breathe.mpeg.dat".

Unhide the extension like I posted, and you can take off the .DAT extension.
Let us know how it works out.

yeah, that's what i think exactly, too it's an ".mpeg.dat"

Downloaded Total Commander, 1 Minute later it was.......an MPEG File!!!

Ok, latest question, from what planet you guys are coming?

You know for e-v-e-r-y problem a solution!

Great, thanks a lot!

Hope I can help sometime, too. (Maybe sending some prodigy.mpegs)

Yesssssss
You're welcome!