[lugsoul]

Since this was a data mining operation, I presume that much of the information they gathered was in electronic form.

I also presume, perhaps incorrectly, that whatever database they use has a search function.

[mewzilla]

There were 2.4 terabytes worth of data. Wonder where it ended up.

[dirtboy]

I also presume, perhaps incorrectly, that whatever database they use has a search function.

It also depends whether the database is still online, or even backed up.

[finnigan2]

" I also presume, perhaps incorrectly, that whatever database they use has a search function."

- I would imagine you are correct in your assumption. The Colonel specifically stated that Able Danger "mined" information from readily available sources, one of them being Nexus Lexus. Since that source alone searches for repeated names or phrases form a wide variety of publications or even broadcast transcripts and prints out the results as "hits" and the DOD group was looking for a pattern of recurrences in the source material, it stands to reason that the name "Atta" appearing time and again would draw their attention.
This is why I don't believe the current DOD denial that Atta's name does not appear in the Able Danger files. How else would the Colonel be aware of it and why did they make repeated attempts to meet with the FBI if his name did not turn up in their analysis as being a person of potential concern?