import files .dat

Hi KHANOS123 

Power BI cannot directly read or import files with a .data extension.
To handle this we can convert .data files into  common format like CSV or Excel, which Power BI can handle.

Here's a step-by-step guide

1.Convet .data file to CSV, 
- Open the .data file in a text editor (like Notepad or any code editor).
- Save the file as a CSV (Comma-Separated Values) file. Ensure that the columns are separated by commas and each row is on a new line.

2.Import CSV File: 
-Use Power BI and import the CSV file.

3.Duplicate Columns in Power Query Editor:
-In the Power Query Editor, select the column you want to duplicate.
-Right-click on the column header and select "Duplicate Column".

4.Load Data:
-Once you've made the necessary changes, click "Close & Load" to load the data into Power BI

If this post helps, then please consider Accept it as the solution to help the other members find it more quickly.

Hi KHANOS123 

It would help to know what is inside your .dat file. Can you view it in a text editor?

Thanks for the reply from KHANOS123 , please allow me to provide another insight:

Hi, KHANOS123 

The method I have found to be most effective involves first saving the file as a .txt document, followed by importing it to the desktop:

1.Open the date file using Notepad, then save it as a .txt file.

2.Next, import the file on the desktop using the text/csv format.

3.Below is my sample data:

This is the final result, which I hope meets your requirements.

4.For further considerations regarding this method, please refer to:

Power Query Text/CSV connector - Power Query | Microsoft Learn
 

Please find the attached pbix relevant to the case.

 
Of course, if you have any new discoveries or questions, please feel free to get in touch with us.
 

Best Regards,

Leroy Lu

If this post helps, then please consider Accept it as the solution to help the other members find it more quickly.