Files are in binary format by default and need to be converted to text.  Use ConvertData.exe (in Sins install folder).

Example:

Start -> Run -> cmd.exe and then at cmd prompt:

To TXT:

c:\program files\stardock games\sins of a solar empire\ConvertData.exe entity "[source file]" "[dest file]" txt

Back to BIN:

c:\program files\stardock games\sins of a solar empire\ConvertData.exe entity "[source file]" "[dest file]" bin

Or download a little helper I created that makes life much easier (note this one assumes ConvertData.exe is in c:\program files\stardock games\sins of a solar empire\)

http://files.filefront.com/ConvertDataGUIexe/;12831279;/fileinfo.html

Progressbar, u forgot to ask what verison of the game he is using

The 'filename' is the name of the file within the Textures folder.  These TGA files contain multiple icons...

The numbers are X, Y, Height, and Width of the icon rectangle within that TGA file.

this link no longer works. can you repost a valid one. i cant for the life of me get these damn entity files to open. all i want to do is edit some of the ships' properties and damages but no. i have been spit on by god for the past 3 straight days of effort.