<p>The .dat files are opened by Bitcoin Core, they are not supposed to be opened in plaintext. The blockchain will be in the blocks/ subdirectory. You can see a list of the files bitcoin core uses here:
<a href="https://github.com/bitcoin/bitcoin/blob/master/doc/files.md" rel="nofollow noreferrer">https://github.com/bitcoin/bitcoin/blob/master/doc/files.md</a></p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-11-07T05:57:34.180Z
2017-11-07T05:57:34.180Z
meshcollider
<p>These files are in binary format, so not intended for a human reader. To have a look at the content, get a "hex reader" program, google for that.</p>

<p>Do you want to get the private keys to your Bitcoin adresses? If so, you will use the "debug window" in Bitcoin Core. See this answer for how to do that: <a href="https://bitcoin.stackexchange.com/a/5933/63522">https://bitcoin.stackexchange.com/a/5933/63522</a></p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-11-07T06:50:52.917Z
2017-11-07T06:50:52.917Z
nulldev
<p>I've just downloaded the Bitcoin Core for Windows.</p>

<p>I can see several .dat file. What can I use to open them. i.e. Is there a way to view them in plaintext?</p>

<p>Also, which file is the blockchain file?</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-11-07T06:05:47.367Z
you can use console Windows parser from [ragestack](http://ragestack.com). This is a small utility for converting *.dat files to *.txt
Denis Leonov
CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-11-07T10:25:32.550Z
@Denis, got an error when trying to run it.
Daniel Gee
CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-11-08T12:30:57.570Z
what error? it’s work perfectly with dat files without any problem. you read `readme` file with instructions for how to use it?
Denis Leonov
<bitcoin-core><database>
What software should I use to open the .dat flles
Daniel Gee
# What software should I use to open the .dat flles

(Asked by: username_0 on 2017-11-07)

I've just downloaded the Bitcoin Core for Windows.

I can see several .dat file. What can I use to open them. i.e. Is there a way to view them in plaintext?

Also, which file is the blockchain file?

Thanks!

**Tags:** bitcoin-core, database

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: you can use console Windows parser from [ragestack](http://ragestack.com). This is a small utility for converting *.dat files to *.txt  
> **username_0**: @Denis, got an error when trying to run it.  
> **username_1**: what error? it’s work perfectly with dat files without any problem. you read `readme` file with instructions for how to use it?  

---

## 2 answers

### Answer by username_2 on 2017-11-07. Score: 2

The .dat files are opened by Bitcoin Core, they are not supposed to be opened in plaintext. The blockchain will be in the blocks/ subdirectory. You can see a list of the files bitcoin core uses here:
<https://github.com/bitcoin/bitcoin/blob/master/doc/files.md>


---

### Answer by username_3 on 2017-11-07. Score: -1

These files are in binary format, so not intended for a human reader. To have a look at the content, get a "hex reader" program, google for that.

Do you want to get the private keys to your Bitcoin adresses? If so, you will use the "debug window" in Bitcoin Core. See this answer for how to do that: <https://bitcoin.stackexchange.com/a/5933/63522>


---

