[Bobbi]

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.)

[Jomar]

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.

[Bobbi]

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.

[AfterMyNap]

What software program was the original document set created in?

[Bobbi]

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)

[AfterMyNap]

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.

[Bobbi]

The prob. isn't that I can't open the files; it's that I don't want the properties wiped out or altered. The files are being transfered to an agency that asked for them.

The Mac automatically date and time stamped the files when saved, and embedded the URLs (from where the files were attained online); the properties also reflect whether there have been any modifications to the files. Right now, the properties are pristine: Never been touched.

On the Mac, by going to the File menu, then, Get Info., the values display; the URLs in, e.g., Simple Text show in the "Comments" body.

I believe that screenshots are the way to display the properties - as they appear.

I can't disclose specific details online about how the files are going to be used, since I don't want the parties involved being tipped (and since the forums are publicly accessible).

I don't need court documents and can only say this: FOIA is applicable within the U.S. The case is not in U.S. jurisdiction.

I do appreciate your help, and I've also gone ahead and asked for some help from others who may understand forensics on Mac machines. (I used mine prior to knowing anything about forensics, and just held the data in place with the hope that, one day, an agency would come for it. Now that it's happened, I don't want to mess up on my end.)

P.S.: I did receive an idea from a forensics expert, who suggested that an image of the machine's hard-drive be made via, i.e., EnCase.

[Jomar]

Sounds tricky all right.
can the agency that is getting them copy them to a mac?
or there is those emulator programs??

If you just experiment with making copies different ways - you'll still have the originals

Is there something like a Mac specific USB flash drive that might work?

add a second hard drive and make copies to it?
then try different things

good luck- I hope you can find a way.

[Bobbi]

Jo, you're thinking as I had thought: Release the machine to the agency (so that the originals can be viewed exactly as saved).

EnCase is the next best thing. It would "slave" to the master drive (or the one on the Mac) without altering anything. I will ask the agency (attaining the files) if its people will arrive with the means to do it - and create the hash values (data which should match exactly prior to and following a mirror of the hard drive).

I'm not opposed to releasing the machine - if it will make the transfer go more smoothly. But, since it does have other data, which I'd like to also keep, my pref. is to hold onto it.

Because the machine is obsolete, and isn't as ramped as newer ones; it doesn't have a USB port (or empty slot for adding a port). It has a CD R drive and a floppy drive; and two bays for including what I think would amount to something such as a zip drive or a CD writer. It was the first machine I had for Net access.

If only I had known then what I know now about computers .

[wildcard]

I dunno if this has been addressed or not....

Newer Macs have the ability to run OS Classic as a session within OSX. This would still allow you to access the original documents within the older Mac OS (I'm assuming you're talking OS 7, 8, or 9 here).

Another option might be an external drive enclosure, wherein the hard drive is actually taken out of the old Mac, and dropped into an external enclosure which can be then connected to any Mac or PC via USB (or Firewire if the new computer has it)-I'd recommend checking with any local Apple stores' genius bar or service centers which should have similar personnel.