Attention Novices

[Deo]

Given that there has been a noticable increase of 'initiates'. I'm gonna start you off with a quick heads up to the most common beleif I've been hearing.

There is no folder that holds all the dats of the equipment you are currently wearing. When you change a file, everyone of that race wearing that equipment's graphic will be changed.

Now here's the readme from the Dat Collection:
-----------------------------------
Hello, this is DeviFoxx (of FFXI's "Quetzalcoatl" server),
and I'm giving you a brief tutorial as to what to do with
these DAT files.

A brief Explanation:

These DAT files in no way cause any status or parameter
changes within the game itself. They do not yield any
hidden attributes whatsoever. These DATs are simply to
be used for "cosmetic" purposes only. They are costume
changes, that's all they are. And they are LOCAL changes.
In other words, if you file swap the DATs in your Final
Fantasy XI for PC root folder, you can only see the
changes as they are played off of YOUR PC-- not anyone
else's. These are to be used for personal enjoyment,
not to bring harm or aggrivation to any other players
(Not that I see how you even could in any way, but
oh well).

How to use:

Each folder contains (or should contain) more folders
with specific .DATs. Simply select one that you personally
prefer. For the sake of argument, let's say you chose
the DAT for "Cloud's Sword From Final Fantasy 7". This is
for Great Swords wielded by Hume Males and Females. So
select a sword that you'd like to switch.

I've included a version of FFXI Model Viewer which will
allow you to view all in-game sprites. To use the model
viewer, go into the folder marked:
"FFXI_Model_Viewer_-_Eng_v1-0-1"
Either hit "CTRL + A" or Select all items in the folder
(They're the same thing anyway), and then drag and drop
them into the root folder of FFXI, which by default should
be:

"C:\Program Files\PlayOnline\SquareEnix\FINAL FANTASY XI\"

And simply load the ".EXE" that came with FFXI Model Viewer.

Once you've opened the Model Viewer, you'll notice off to the
right that you'll have some options as to sprites you want to
load. In the upper right hand corner, click the bullet called
"PC" (Player Character), not "NPC" (Non-Playable Character),
but "PC". In the drop-down Bar below that, select "Hume-M" for
your character race. There, below that, there should be
several more dropdown bars. Select the one with the subheading
"Main" (This is your Main Weapon), and go and pick [As an
Example] "G.Sword: Zweihander".

Once you do that, you'll notice a set of numbers in the upper
right hand corner of the Program's window. The number should
read:

"1-29-43.dat"

Basically, this is telling you the Location of the Sword's
image File. There are 3 "ROM" folders (they are separated by
expansion). The Folder marked "1" is the first "ROM" folder,
this is basically all the things in "Final Fantasy XI". The
"ROM2" folder is everything in "Rise of the Zilart", and the
"ROM3" folder is everything in "Chains of Promathia". Since
the DAT reads "1-29-43.dat", it's pretty much saying that this
DAT is located in the FIRST "ROM" folder, in the #29 folder,
and the 43rd "DAT" file. To be even more exact:
"C:\Program Files\PlayOnline\SquareEnix\FINAL FANTASY XI\ROM\29\43.dat"

Once you locate this file, either make a backup of it or put
it somewhere safe. Then open the folder that has:

"Cloud's Sword - Hume Male Only.DAT"

Take that file, and drag 'n' drop it into the ROM\29 folder,
and rename it to "43.dat". Then load up the Model Viewer, and
view the Zweihander again for Hume Male. If you did it correctly
then the Zweihander should look just like Cloud's Sword from FF7.

Note: Another easier way to view the .DAT locations in FFXI model
viewer. Either hit "ALT + S" or click on the "Settings"
tab, then select "Show DAT Number". That'll show you where
all the DATs are in the Dropdown Menu.

If you'd like everything to be back to normal, just reverse the
directions and switch the DATs back. Simple enough. I DO strongly
suggest you back up all your DATs just in case.