OS X and classic creator and type codes

Question

Level 1

5 points

OS X and classic creator and type codes

Is there anyway, within the native os to change type and creator codes?
Why would I want to? Here's an example:
I get a .zip from a customer. Because I have Stuffit installed it takes ownership of the archive. That would be fine except I've noticed different results using stuffit vs. BomaArchive helper. As in they don't unzip with the same amount of files.
I used to use Super Get info to change them, but that's not a possiblity now. And if Apple didn't hide Boma so deep in the OS I might be able to just make an alias and drop them on it. Won't find on a search for "Boma", both visible and invisible.
Thanks for any help. I'm just trying to find another way to make my OS do what I want it to, not what some app develper or OS creator deems should happen.
Remember... think different?

G4 MDD Dual 1.25, Mac OS X (10.3.9)

Posted on Nov 29, 2005 1:02 PM

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Answer 1

Kappy

Level 10

362,007 points

Nov 29, 2005 1:28 PM in response to H A

You can easily change any document's default application by selecting the document icon, press COMMAND-I to open the Get Info window. In the section labeled Open With select the desired default app from the drop down menu. If you want all similar documents opened by the default app, then click on the Change All button.

Alternatively download the freeware preference pane RCDefaultApp from www.versiontracker.com.

BTW, not pointing a finger at you, but keep in mind that even morons "think different."

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Answer 2

Nov 29, 2005 2:03 PM in response to Kappy

keep in mind that even morons "think different."

Thanks Kappy.

I love it!

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Answer 3

H A Author

Level 1

5 points

Nov 30, 2005 5:02 AM in response to H A

You can easily change any document's default application by selecting the document icon, press COMMAND-I to open the Get Info window. In the section labeled Open With select the desired default app from the drop down menu. If you want all similar documents opened by the default app, then click on the Change All button.

Alternatively download the freeware preference pane RCDefaultApp from www.versiontracker.com.

BTW, not pointing a finger at you, but keep in mind that even morons "think different."

Thanks for your ideas, and more, thanks for the jab at the slogan Apple used to use to differentiate itself, and it's consumers from other, less user friendly OS's.
But your solution doesn't help me. I'm well aware of changing the assigned app through the get info window, and that there are other utilities as, if not more adept at this function. My problem is that, if I have to solve my problem this way, instead of gaining knowledge about what effect type and creator codes have in OS X and how to change and deal with them, I find it hard to impossible to track down the location of the app BomaArchiveHelper. It never appears in the "Open with" pop up, and therefore I need to know the location in order to navigate to it to tell OS X to use it. And being that I see different results when unzipping depending on which app was used to create the zip, I don't want to set it as default.

So, my questions stand.
How do you view and alter type and creator codes in OS X, and where exactly is BomaArchiveHelper located.

G4 MDD Dual 1.25 Mac OS X (10.3.9)

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Answer 4

Nov 30, 2005 5:19 AM in response to H A

If you have Developer Tool installed- /Developer/Tools/GetFileInfo and the elusive BomArchiveHelper-
/System/Library/CoreServices/BOMArchiveHelper.app

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Answer 5

H A Author

Level 1

5 points

Nov 30, 2005 5:21 AM in response to H A

Thank you Mark.
Here's to users helping others.

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Answer 6

Nov 30, 2005 5:26 AM in response to H A

Your welcome 😉

I forgot the tool to set file types and creator codes- /Developer/Tools/SetFile

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Answer 7

Kappy

Level 10

362,007 points

Nov 30, 2005 6:33 AM in response to H A

H A,

BTW, OS X does not use filetypes and creator codes as did Mac OS. OS X, like Unix, uses file extents to identify a filetype. However, OS X retains the ability to deal with filetypes and creator codes for backward compatibility with older Mac software.

I apologize that my information wasn't what you wanted, but it seemed that was the gist of your question. Glad Mark was more adept than I was, and you got your question answered.

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Answer 8

H A Author

Level 1

5 points

Nov 30, 2005 8:32 AM in response to H A

No problem Kappy, and thanks for replying at all.
After falling in love with computers (macintosh computers) with the classic OS, and then making the move to OS X. You must understand that I'm more of a user than a hacker or someone who is used to dealing with codes and hidden apps. I'm used to knowing what my system is doing, does and how to manipulate that to my liking.
I know this is more restrictive under OS X, but still possible to some extent. And am happy for anyone that will share knowledge or ideas about accomplishing this.
My angst is more aimed at Apple and the discussions I've had with thier techs, which have largely resulted in a big waste of time.

Mark, don't have developer tools installed on my work computer, but thank you, have tracked down Boma and now resides in dock for drag and drop. Used it once already!

Thanks all

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