Com2txt
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{{FormatInfo | {{FormatInfo | ||
|formattype=electronic | |formattype=electronic | ||
| − | |subcat= | + | |subcat=Executable envelopes |
|extensions={{ext|com}} | |extensions={{ext|com}} | ||
|released=≤1993 | |released=≤1993 | ||
}} | }} | ||
| − | '''Com2txt''' is a utility that converts a [[DOS executable (.com)|DOS COM file]] to one whose bytes all belong to certain set of [[ASCII]] characters, and which still | + | '''Com2txt''' is a utility that converts a [[DOS executable (.com)|DOS COM file]] to one whose bytes all belong to a certain set of [[ASCII]] characters, and which still has the same functionality. It was developed by Naoyuki Nide. Most of the information about it is in Japanese. |
It's a silly hack, but it had some practical uses, such as for embedding a COM file in a [[Batch file]], email, etc. | It's a silly hack, but it had some practical uses, such as for embedding a COM file in a [[Batch file]], email, etc. | ||
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== Disambiguation == | == Disambiguation == | ||
| − | + | Not to be confused with [[Com2txt (Dark Stalker)]]. | |
| − | + | For other software with a similar name or function, see [[Executable envelopes#Transfer-encoded executables]]. | |
== Identification == | == Identification == | ||
| − | + | Only version 1.11 has been evaluated. It can decode three formats, which we'll call ''old'', ''new-default'', and ''new-alternate''. | |
''Old'' files (e.g. from v1.00) start with "{{magic|TXPPP}}". | ''Old'' files (e.g. from v1.00) start with "{{magic|TXPPP}}". | ||
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''New-alternate'' format is enabled with the <code>-c</code> option (undocumented in English). It is named something like "com-batch shared format". The format begins "{{magic|:=%00%AA5$QP}}". | ''New-alternate'' format is enabled with the <code>-c</code> option (undocumented in English). It is named something like "com-batch shared format". The format begins "{{magic|:=%00%AA5$QP}}". | ||
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| + | [[GetTyp]] reports the existence of several newer versions of Com2txt, through v1.41. According to its database, files from v1.20-1.41 start the same way as v1.03-1.12, with "{{magic|T_OOWW3=XXWX}}", but then they diverge. | ||
== Software == | == Software == | ||
Latest revision as of 18:29, 22 March 2024
Com2txt is a utility that converts a DOS COM file to one whose bytes all belong to a certain set of ASCII characters, and which still has the same functionality. It was developed by Naoyuki Nide. Most of the information about it is in Japanese.
It's a silly hack, but it had some practical uses, such as for embedding a COM file in a Batch file, email, etc.
It has a -r option, to recover the original file.
Contents |
[edit] Disambiguation
Not to be confused with Com2txt (Dark Stalker).
For other software with a similar name or function, see Executable envelopes#Transfer-encoded executables.
[edit] Identification
Only version 1.11 has been evaluated. It can decode three formats, which we'll call old, new-default, and new-alternate.
Old files (e.g. from v1.00) start with "TXPPP".
New-default files (e.g. from v1.11) start with a roughly 200-byte prefix that begins "T_OOWW3=XXWX" (see the HDR_DATA.C source file). The signature "com2txt/Nide" also appears in the standard prefix, but is less reliable for format identification.
New-alternate format is enabled with the -c option (undocumented in English). It is named something like "com-batch shared format". The format begins ":=%00%AA5$QP".
GetTyp reports the existence of several newer versions of Com2txt, through v1.41. According to its database, files from v1.20-1.41 start the same way as v1.03-1.12, with "T_OOWW3=XXWX", but then they diverge.
[edit] Software
- com2txt v1.11 (DOS binary + source code)
[edit] Sample files
- xpa167m.zip → *.COM (files have a customized signature)
