Unix Executable files being saved as text files

[rotgut]

I'm having problems with Unix Executable files being saved as text files. They keep the same size and everything but can only be opened by text editor. I've tried opening with terminal and it won't give me the option.

Any ideas as to what's wrong? I am using a 27" quad core iMac.

Thanks in advance!

 

[GGJstudios]

What files? Extension?

 

[r0k]

Unix executables? What unix executables? I could tell you how to make them executable but the way you asked the question triggers my caution reflex and I'd like to first know at least one of the file names. If they are shell scripts, they might have a .sh extension. Can you provide at least one of the file names?

 

[rotgut]

The computer is in getting a new super drive put in so I don't have any exact information in front of me unfortunately. The file was sent to me by a friend and was unix executable file (with the terminal as the icon), well once it finished sending to my mac it was saved as a text file (blank paper icon) which could only be opened by the text editor.

It's an executable file for some music software I'm running (trying to run). But in order to run the full version I need to replace the unix file.


Sorry for the lack of direct info. I should have been better prepared.

 

[r0k]

The computer is in getting a new super drive put in so I don't have any exact information in front of me unfortunately. The file was sent to me by a friend and was unix executable file (with the terminal as the icon), well once it finished sending to my mac it was saved as a text file (blank paper icon) which could only be opened by the text editor.

It's an executable file for some music software I'm running (trying to run). But in order to run the full version I need to replace the unix file.


Sorry for the lack of direct info. I should have been better prepared.

You can change its permissions to add execute permission and you should be good to go. You might have to rename the file if Mail.app gave it a .txt extension. If you change it's permission to execute and it fails, ask your friend to compress it (zip it) and send it to you again. This way it won't get tampered with by any email program and it should be executable when you unzip it.

To change permission, you can option-click and show info then add execute permission. You can also do this from the terminal...

chmod u+x filename

 

[rotgut]

Here is an example of what it looked like prior to being sent:

Sorry, I posted before I see your reply. Computer should be back in 3-5 business days. If this works I'm paypal'ing you $5. Thanks a ton for the info.

 

[Hal Itosis]

To change permission, you can option-click and show info then add execute permission.

Everything you said except that part was okay. If x-bits can be added via a Get Info window in Finder now, then that's news to me. Also: it's 'control-click' and 'Get Info', AFAIK. [unless per chance Snow Leopard has added those particular refinements... in which case i apologize for the interruption.]

 

[r0k]

Everything you said except that part was okay. If x-bits can be added via a Get Info window in Finder now, then that's news to me. Also: it's 'control-click' and 'Get Info', AFAIK. [unless per chance Snow Leopard has added those particular refinements... in which case i apologize for the interruption.]

I'm stuck in front of my windows box at work so my memory on these points may be spotty. I thought I saw execute among the permissions that could be set from Finder "get info" but I could be wrong. Anyway the terminal/chmod method should work fine.

I googled for "Live OS X" and found that the software the OP appears to be working with comes as a trial version with registered versions starting at several hundred dollars.

Perhaps I'm overly suspicious but it almost sounds like he is trying to replace a trial version executable to make it registered with one sent by email to him by a friend. If true, this would be an effort I would not condone, support, or want to contribute to. Furthermore, I doubt any company charging that kind of money for their software would allow such a method to work.

 

[calderone]

Execute cannot be set via Get Info or Inspector, for files at least. Folders obviously get execute added if read access is granted.

For files, Terminal is the only way to add execute permission without adding 3rd party apps.

 

[promoose]

Short answer: Go to the terminal, navigate to the directory it is in, and type "chmod 700 <filename>" to allow only you to use it, or 777 to allow anyone to use (and read, write or delete) it. As always, do this at your own risk, and don't steal software.

 

[iVoid]

Here is an example of what it looked like prior to being sent:

Sorry, I posted before I see your reply. Computer should be back in 3-5 business days. If this works I'm paypal'ing you $5. Thanks a ton for the info.

Umm... it looks like you're trying to take one file out of a .app package. I don't think this will work. I doubt that single file is meant to run by itself.

You need the full Live.app file. To be extra sure, you should compress the file before sending and then unzip it upon receiving.