Excel changing to .dat file from Mac to PC

[sara.leonard]

When I make an Excel spreadsheet on my computer and send it to a PC, it somehow converts to a .dat file and can't be opened on the PC.

I have try changing the extension to .xlsx & .xls

I have tried searching for a solution and have come up with nothing. Please help!

 

[r0k]

When I make an Excel spreadsheet on my computer and send it to a PC, it somehow converts to a .dat file and can't be opened on the PC.

I have try changing the extension to .xlsx & .xls

I have tried searching for a solution and have come up with nothing. Please help!

This is not supposed to happen. Make sure you save it as xls on your Mac. Then use mail.app to send it. If you use Entourage or Outlook, that's probably the reason you are having the problem. In the world of email programs, Lotus Notes owns the bottom but Outlook isn't far behind with its behind-your-back file type changing and embedding tricks.

Can you explain what program you are using to email the file?

Another alternative is Thunderbird or Sparrow (not free). Lastly there is always web mail using an ordinary browser. All of these should leave the file type untouched.

 

[sara.leonard]

Mac mail is being used. So is the .xls extension.

 

[MisterMe]

Mac mail is being used. So is the .xls extension.

It sounds like the .dat extension is not being changed but appended to the file name.