Contents
 Text Converter

Use Text Converter to convert end-of-line characters in UNIX and DOS files.

Introduction

What Is Text Converter

How To...

Convert a Text File

Perform Drag and Drop File Conversions

Change Conversion Options

Add or Edit File Filters

Troubleshoot File Conversion Problems


What Is Text Converter?

MS-DOS and UNIX use different control characters to represent line endings within a file. In MS-DOS, a carriage return and a line-feed character (CR+LF) signify the end of a line. In UNIX, only a line-feed character (LF) is required. Text Converter converts a file from either format to the other by replacing these end-of-line characters.

For example, you might need to convert the line endings in a file from one format to the other if you want to view or print in UNIX a document you prepared using a DOS text editor such as Notepad. In this example, you can use Text Converter to replace the Notepad .TXT file's line endings (CR+LF) with the UNIX line ending character (LF).

In addition to replacing end-of-line characters, Text Converter allows you to rename a converted file, to convert multiple files in a single operation, and to use drag-and-drop to initiate file conversion.


Convert Text
Converting a Text File

To convert a file's line endings:

1.	Double-click the Text Converter icon.

The Text Converter dialog box opens.

2.	In the upper-right portion of the dialog box, select on the type of text conversion you want.

Your choices are: UNIX -> DOS or DOS -> UNIX.

3.	Choose the Options button to expand the Text Converter dialog box.

A series of check box options appears on the bottom of the expanded dialog box.

4.	Enable the check box options you need.

5.	Use the File and Directory windows to locate the file you want to convert.

6.	Select the file.

Press Select All to select for conversion all files of the type specified. You can filter the file types displayed by pressing the Edit File Type button (see Adding or Editing File Types).

7.	Choose Convert.

The selected file is converted.

Tip: If you saved the converted file with a new name in the same directory as the original file, choose Refresh to update the file list display. The name of the converted file appears in the list.

See Also:

Troubleshooting File Conversion Problems


Text Converter Options

Click on the associated check box to enable the following options:

Convert Data to - To convert text to either all uppercase or all lowercase.

Strip Characters to 7-Bits - To specify that you want to convert an ASCII file (commonly called a text file); leave this box unchecked if the file is a binary file, such as a word processor document.

Specify Output File Name - To change the name of the converted file.

Beep When Conversion Complete - To hear an audible signal after a successful text conversion.

There are two additional categories of options, one for converting from MS-DOS to UNIX, and one for converting UNIX to MS-DOS.  Click on the associated check box to enable the following options:

Remove Multiple CRs - During an MS-DOS to UNIX conversion, to eliminate carriage return characters that follow an existing carriage return.

Don't Add CR Before LF... - During a UNIX to MS-DOS conversion, to specify that you do not want a CR added at the end of any line where there is an existing CR.

Add Ctrl-Z... - During a UNIX to MS-DOS conversion, to place an MS-DOS end-of-file character at the end of the converted file.


Drag-and-Drop File Conversions

To perform file conversion using your mouse:

1.	Start the Text Converter program and set any options as needed by selecting Check box options.

2.	Choose the minimize button to reduce the Text Converter program to an icon.

3.	Open File Manager and locate the file you want to convert.

4.	Drag the file icon and drop it on the Text Converter icon.

The file is converted according to the options specified.

Note: If you previously checked the Specify Output File Name check box option, a Specify Output File Name dialog box will open to allow you to enter a new file name.

See Also:

Troubleshooting File Conversion Problems


Adding or Editing File Filters

To customize the List Files by Type drop-down list:

1.	Choose Edit File Types on the Text Converter dialog.

The Edit File Filters dialog box opens.

2.	Customize the files list by:

a. Selecting an existing list and pressing the Delete button

b. Typing a new list of file types into the edit box labeled New and pressing the Add button

3.	Choose Save to save your edits or additions, or choose Cancel to negate your changes.


Specify Output File Name
Specify an Output File Name

When converting a file, you can elect to use the file's existing name, or you can give the converted file a new name.

To specify a new name:

1.	Click Options to expand the Text Converter dialog box.

A series of check box options appears at the bottom of the dialog box.

2.	Click the box labeled Specify Output File Name.

3.	With a target file selected, choose Convert.

The Specify Output File Name dialog box opens.

4.	Type the new name into the edit box provided.

5.	Choose OK.

The conversion proceeds and the converted file is saved with the specified name.


Troubleshooting File Conversion Problems

Problem	Possible Causes	Solution
You see the message Cannot open output file.	You tried to store the converted file in a directory.  But you do not have permission to create files in the directory you selected.	Check the persmissions on the directory.   On a UNIX system, use the ls -l command to make sure you have read, write, and execute (rwx) persmissions on the directory.


Control Character

A special character embedded in a file that signifies to an operating system (DOS, UNIX, etc.) a particular condition, such as the end of a text line.