When you first install eMule, the Kad network is empty. You need a "bootstrap" file ( nodes.dat ) to find your first few peers. Once connected, eMule automatically updates this list from other users, so you usually only need to manually update it if you have been offline for a long time or are starting fresh. 2. How to Update nodes.dat There are two primary ways to populate your Kad network: Open eMule and go to the Kad window.