Emergency DATs, called EXTRA.DAT files, contain information used by
VirusScan Enterprise to detect a new virus. When new malware is discovered and extra detection is required, an EXTRA.DAT file, packaged in a SuperDAT (SDAT) executable file, is made available by
McAfee Labs until the normal
VirusScan Enterprise DAT update is released.
Note: McAfee no longer posts individual EXTRA.DAT files on the Security Updates download site. To get an EXTRA.DAT file for a specific threat, go to the McAfee Avert Labs Extra.dat Request Page at, https://www.webimmune.net/extra/getextra.aspx.
SuperDAT packages
The SuperDAT executable is a self-installing package. It might also include a new virus-scanning engine and other program components. The file uses the name format sdatXXXX.exe, where XXXX is the four-digit DAT version number, for example sdat4321.exe.
When an EXTRA.DAT file is extracted from the SuperDAT executable and added to the Engine folder on your hard drive, it is used by VirusScan Enterprise, in addition to its normal DAT files, to detect the new virus. This enables VirusScan Enterprise to protect your computer from the new malware code until the official DAT update is released that contains the malware detection and removal information. Once the official DAT update is released and installed, the EXTRA.DAT file is no longer needed.
Note: EXTRA.DAT files remain on your file system for 5 days, then they are automatically deleted. You should keep your VirusScan Enterprise DAT files updated by automatically downloading and installing the official daily updates.