.dat file type not recognized by computer

My friend has a really crappy computer and it is currently running Win Xp Sp3.

When he tries to install gw his comp says (according to him) System does not recognize this file type.

Any help would be appreciated.

It shouldn't matter. Is he trying to open or run the .dat file? Is he installing off a CD? Maybe it's damaged. He can download the client from the Official Site and install it that way.

Why is he trying to open the dat file? That is not part of the installation process.

Yup, gw.exe should be the only thing trying to open gw.dat. If that is the case and the filw isn't being recognised, try a repair of the dat file or else he might need to reinstall fresh.

He's trying to install of the disk. I also had used this disk recently and it worked.

When the disk gets to the point of installing the .dat file to his computer, it doesn't recognize the file and stops the installation.

Try downloading and installing all updates from Microsoft. It could also be a virus that messed up the registry.

Tell him to do a clean re-installation of Windows.

You could also try to give him a copy of you dat file via flash drive or whatever have you.

Shouldn't be any reason it shouldn't be accepted as its not being opened.

Do what Kanna says, copy the dat, works wonders.

I'll try that. Might be a while until I can get back to you all and say if it worked.