Reading files from old IBM 286

Tags:

IBM

packard bell

database

extension

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Barniel August 18, 2011 at 08:49:30 Pacific
Specs: Windows Vista

what do I have to do to read files from IBM 286 that came off 5.25 diskettes?
I try to copy them and when I try to read them it all looks like another language.
I'm trying to read them on a Packard Bell 486.

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ijack August 18, 2011 at 11:22:46 Pacific

The first thing that you need to ascertain is what program produced these files. Do they have an extension that might give a clue?

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Barniel August 18, 2011 at 11:47:50 Pacific

I'm not good at this.
First time user.
I backed up DataEase database files with extensions of DBA and DBM.
I use the backup file to try to put a copy in the database and all I get is a
"System Error: Illegal Free 0" or some other number or sometimes nothing at all it just looks like Chinese or another language.
Sometimes no error at all, but when I try to access the data, it won't show it.

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ijack August 18, 2011 at 12:56:17 Pacific

DataEase. Wow, there's a blast from the past. I guess you must be talking about the DOS version as it's a 286 computer.
20 years ago I could have helped you as I used to program DataEase databases for a living, but I'm afraid that by now I've forgotten everything that I knew about the program, and a bit more.
I found this DataEase forum: http://www.plmconsulting.com/plmforum/ You might have more luck asking there.

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