Converting and saving the file…

When a source file is converted and saved, the action is performed on a copy of the source file. This means that the original source file remains untouched and as it was before conversion.

Please note that when you import your converted data back into your database files, you actually import the converted version/copy of the source file, which we will refer to as the 'destination file'.

To start converting the source file you have selected, press the Save button in the main window.

Before conversion takes place, you will be asked to name and select where you wish to place the destination file. This is done using a standard 'Save file' dialog box, as illustrated below:

 

By default, the name of the destination file is the name of the source file with ".converted" tagged onto its end. You may change this if you wish in the dialog.

If you press the 'Save' button in the dialog, the destination file will be created in the location you have specified and the conversion process will commence.

If you do not wish to proceed with the conversion, press the 'Cancel' button and the process will be aborted.

The destination file will retain the Finder details (type and creator, etc.) of the source file, as well as the same icon. In fact it will be identical to the source file except for the data that it will contain after conversion.

The conversion of your source data file will start only when the destination file has been successfully created. If a problem occurs (such as there is insufficient disk space available on the drive you have selected) the destination file will not be created and the conversion will not take place.

During the conversion, the progress indicator in the main window is updated as the conversion progresses and a message is displayed in the bottom field of the window which gives you a record count.

If during the conversion of a large data file, say, you wish to abort the process for whatever reason, simply type on the keyboard the "Command-." (period) keys. This will abort the conversion and delete the incomplete destination file.

When the data has been successfully converted, your Mac will beep at you to alert you of this.

The new, destination file can then be imported back into your originating database or application.

You can now proceed to open and convert any other data files you have using exactly the same method as above.