Reading old Chemstation binary files (circa Windows 3.1)

[Rick Dubills]

We have a bunch of binary files from a Windows 3.1 version of chemstation and need to read and integrate those files from a Windows XP machine.

Should we buy a newer version of Chemstation (will the newer versions read the old binary files?) or is there any other software out there that we can use to read the old files?

Thanks!

[tom jupille]

Most systems are "backward compatible", but I don't know how far in this case. A work around would be to export your files to *.cdf format (so-called "AIA" or "Andi" files) from the old system and then import into the newer one. Implementation of the Andi file format was not always consistent, however, so even this may not work.

The "bottom line" is that the best people to ask would be Agilent.

[Consumer Products Guy]

Your data files should be directly readable by the newer software (I'll vouch for at least up to A.09 reading A.03 files). Interesting that one can read HPLC files on GC Chemstation, and vice-versa. Your Method files (at least for HPLC) will only be partially readable, stuff like flow rate will not transfer.

[mbicking]

I will vouch for CPG's comment. Any ChemStation should be able to read an earlier version. There was essentially no change in format for the entire "A" series of the product. The "B" ChemStation went to a different format, so "B" files are only readable from "B" installations, but this is normal for software, as Tom mentioned. I would try to read from an "A" installation if possible. If you don't have one, I can direct you to people who resell old versions.

CPG,
The Data Analysis part of the the program is identical for the GC, LC, and LC-MS versions. This made the software easier to develop across each platform, and makes it easier for multi-technique users to work in the program. But I think the attempt to make it all the same also means that some technique specific procedures get left out, and have to be added in later.

[nimbi63]

If your data files are from the current series software (A.01.02 thru A.10.01) they can be loaded in the new software. If they are from the old 3365A software (G1201A for single GC, or G1202A for multi gc system) you can import the files. On the command line (the white line at the bottom where you can type command) enter: Macro meth3365mac,go <enter>. This will open a dialog asking if you want to import a single HP3365A file or import all the files in a directory.

[nimbi63]

Sorry, that should be: Macro meth3365.mac,go
I missed the period before .mac.

[lmh]

And of course AMDIS will open these files too.