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noirfan

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Trying to determine what the codes in a text file mean on UNIX

Hi all-

I'm looking at a series of UNIX files that contain sequences such as:

\\12PI
\MRLo\
.1532.LEC.

They're flat text and appear to be some kind of report.  I'm trying to determine what source type (i.e. LaTeX, groff, etc.) they might be?

Thanks in advance for any input.
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arnold
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Is this an old file, or does it get updated regularly.

Try cat -v filename
To see whether there are any control..

It is difficult based on very small data set to determine.
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noirfan

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@arnold: These are old files - dates around 2001/2000.  cat -v produces the same output as I'm seeing in vi.  Here's the full string from the top of the file (before the text body begins):

\TM00\\12PI\\DRAo\\BM09\
\MRLo\
You can try the file command to see if it will give you the filetype.

file filename

You can also try to view the printable strings

strings filename
Do these files have an extension? If so: what is it?

Can you find references on your system of something that actually uses these files? Like <program name> <one of your UNIX files>
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serialband
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As serialband suggests, it looks like these files are input to an ASCII/Terminal type medical application/interface.

You should archive/tar-gzip these files and any others onto a tape and store it with notation in a safe place.
Is your firm in pharmaceutical/research.
Presumably, you are tasked at either repurposing this system or it is a upgrade cycle.....
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@serialband: That looks exactly like what I was looking for.   Looks like I should've tried googling the entire string with a word in front of it, instead of pieces of the syntax.  Thanks!