How do I recover old files that are labeled "Unix Executable File?"

If they are truly Unix executables, then you cannot read them because they are compiled code. However, if these are really text files whose extensions got messed up, then you may be able to read them using TextEdit. If they really are text files, then change the file extension to ".txt" but without the quotes.

There is a terminal command called file which will give you a hint of what the file is.

/Appliactions/Utilities/Terminal

me ~$ file pki

pki: directory

me ~$ file pulse-cookie

pulse-cookie: data

type file space drag & drop the file onto the terminal, press return.

Robert

You can also "read" the file with cat.