DAT File Structure Overview

DAT files commonly contain two primary record types:

Each record must begin with a valid record identifier and follow the required field layout exactly.

Header Record Identifier Errors

Description

A header record identifier error occurs when the file header does not begin with the required H character or contains invalid header-level formatting.

Correction Requirements

• The first record in the file must be a valid header record.
• The header record must begin with uppercase H.
• Only one header record should appear per batch.
• Header-level fields must match the associated detail records.
• Header record length must match the required DAT layout.

Correct Header Example

Note: Hyphens shown in the examples represent blank spaces used to demonstrate field positioning. Do not enter the hyphens as part of the DAT file.

Incorrect Header Examples

Reason: The first example is incorrect because the header must begin with H. The second example is incorrect because the header must use an uppercase H.

Detail Record Identifier Errors

Description

A Detail record identifier error occurs when an individual case or judgment record does not begin with the required D character.

Correction Requirements

• Each detail record must begin with uppercase D.
• Detail records must follow the header record.
• Detail records must contain all required fields per EDP File layout.
• Detail record length must match the required fixed-width record layout.

Correct Detail Identifier Example

Incorrect Detail Identifier Examples

Error Reason: Each detail record must begin with an uppercase D in the first position. These examples are incorrect because they begin with an H, contain a leading blank space, use a lowercase d, or are missing the D identifier.