"Unix Executable File" how to read?

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Level 1

15 points

"Unix Executable File" how to read?

In clean up my older folders I've found several files that don't have any of the usual icons, but rather a Terminal file icon and the Get Info shows that they are "Unix Executable Files."

I opened them using Text Edit and found that some have the type/creator code of WDBN MSWD and others are PICT SPNT, or DRWG MD

Intel Mac Mini 2.26 (early 2009), Mac OS X (10.6.4), 23" Cinema Display, 4GB, 120GB SSD, 500GB HDD

Posted on Sep 10, 2010 8:26 AM

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Answer 1

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Roger Wilmut1

Level 10

131,146 points

Sep 10, 2010 8:38 AM in response to Tod Wicks

This is probably because they don't have extensions. if you can work out what the extension should be and add it you may be able to open them in the Finder. For PICTs try .pct or .pic

WDBN MSWD is Word for Windows, and should apparently have a .wri extension, but it won't open without the correct program. I'm not sure if anything else can open them; opening them in the program itself - or one which can recognize them - is better - try Open Office.

Can't trace DRWG.

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Answer 2

Sep 10, 2010 8:45 AM in response to Tod Wicks

Tod Wicks wrote:
In clean up my older folders I've found several files that don't have any of the usual icons, but rather a Terminal file icon and the Get Info shows that they are "Unix Executable Files."

I opened them using Text Edit and found that some have the type/creator code of WDBN MSWD and others are PICT SPNT, or DRWG MD

According to this Web page

http://support.grouplogic.com/?p=1563

the first one is a Microsoft Word file. According to a Web search the second one is from SuperPaint and the third is from MacDraw.

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Answer 3

Tod Wicks Author

Level 1

15 points

Sep 11, 2010 6:05 PM in response to Tod Wicks

Somewhere I recall that there was an application that was a handy file conversion tool, good for converting old MS dos or windows files so they could be read on a mac. If anyone can think of such a "translator" that would be helpful as well.

Thanks.

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Answer 4

Sep 11, 2010 6:59 PM in response to Tod Wicks

Tod Wicks wrote:
Somewhere I recall that there was an application that was a handy file conversion tool, good for converting old MS dos or windows files so they could be read on a mac.

There was a product MacLinkPlus ( http://download.cnet.com/DataViz-MacLinkPlus-Deluxe/3000-2094_4-211382.html), but it's not clear if the product is still listed on the vendor's (DataViz) Web site ( http://www.dataviz.com/).

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Answer 5

Tod Wicks Author

Level 1

15 points

Sep 11, 2010 8:50 PM in response to William-Boyd-Jr

Yeah, that's the one. Now to locate a copy...

thanks for adding this piece to my puzzle.

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