I've an antiquated Mac that I've been holding onto because it contains work-related data - for which I don't want to compromise the "integrity."

I'm hopeful that someone might be able to help me out here with some insights.

My ol' Mac has the capability to covert data (text files and/or images) to PC format; the machine is cross-platform and bundled with the tools needed for the conversion process.

The following is the potenial problem that I definitely want to avoid:

If the files are converted, will it also wipe out properties data (e.g., original URLs from where the files were downloaded and saved)? That's the information that's critical; it's for a court case (and, it took years for the case come to fruition).

This might resolve the issue: Does someone know whether on newer Macs (stand-alone or downloaded) images are still viewed with a JPEGview application?

I am able to save the files to archiac media: Good ol' floopies. The machine has a CD player but no R/W ROM. If saved to floppy, my desktop PC can transfer the files to CD, as long as I won't be losing the files' integrity.

Another possibility, I'm thinking is: Take screenshots of the properties while the files are on the Mac. (First, though, I need to learn how to do so ; it's something I've not figured out.)

Sorry Bobbi, we used to have a Mac for a short time but never got deep into it.
I think Curious is good with screen shots - I haven't tried to figure those out either yet.

For the URLs for the files??- are they all bookmarked or favorites? can you email them to yourself or save them online somewhere?

Oh or what about those online storage places- could you upload all your stuff and save it on one of those?
Or would conversion still be the issue?

I hope someone else comes along with better ideas for you.

Jo, the properties data I want to retain - for verification, etc. - were auto-embedded the moment I downloaded the images/files using my Mac. The were not bookmarks; the files embedded the originating URLs or full pathways the moment they were saved. Right now, the files are date/time stamped. That info. is what I do not want altered; it's essential.

Conversion is an issue if it means a loss of the critical data.

For screenshots or captures, I have figured it out:

It's...

Hit the key with the Apple icon (next to the spacebar) & print key + shift key and the numeral 3 key. It takes the shot, which can be opened in Simple Text or in pict view. It seems such a circuitous route for screenshots but the only way I've found to do so on older Mac Power PC.

I could upload the files to a hosting site, only, if downloaded by a PC, I have a hunch the properties will not reflect the same as with the Mac Power PC, which holds the URLs in place.

I've got this strong unwanted feeling right now that I am going to be spending more time than I wanted working on this, but... in the long-term, that's okay. I'll just have to pace since I'm working against exhaustion (which was not a factor when I was using the Mac and moved on). I just have to hold up my end at this point.

Too, I am thinking, maybe I can run a hash value on the older files, try conversion and see if the hash values are negatively effected. If so, just present the original files in Mac format... and do a walk-through.

I'm probably the only person I know who has never let go of a hard drive - because I do need for data to remain in its original format.

Gawd, I feel so much pressure.

I had stipulated less than a month time-frame for transfer of data (to an agency scheduled to do a pick-up an deliver); I understand now, the time-frame is too narrow. I likely need to consult with folks in forensics more savvy than I and push back the time-line. Nothing like working years and years on something, and knowing the data is in place but it has to be as "found" or it can be nuked in court. I never imagined this. So... I ain't gonna blow it on my end .

Still, I'm gonna hope someone may have far better "guru" insights than I do. It will surely help.

What software program was the original document set created in?

I saved the files from the Net - using Netscape 2.0. Others had created the source codes and images, and I can't ask them which programs they used, since they are the focus of the case.

The files were saved on Mac to access with the following programs:

MS Word v. 5.1a (HTML source codes)
Simple Text (HTML source codes)
JPEGView 3.3.1 (Kind: CompuServe GIF and JPEG graphics)
Eudora 3.1.1 (mail client - incoming mail)

Oh, well, then I would build a new website (encrypted) and launch it to download into the PC via whatever you're using.

You can also access all the court docs directly under FOI.

The screenshot idea is a bit of a crapshoot in my opinion.

If you have an old version of Netscape you might be able to export the old data to a new version without losing much data-specific formatting. It would at least make it possible to print the pages. As far as I know, HTML is still standard.

You don't plan to use any of this as evidence exhibits, right?

If this is a significant case, you might do well to pick up a new, used Mac and run it for this purpose exclusively. You could always turn it around later.