Legacy File Format Migration Checklist
A step-by-step migration assistant for converting old file formats to modern equivalents. Select your formats, set your scope, and get a prioritized plan with tool recommendations and validation steps.
Project Configuration
Set up your migration project. The checklist adapts based on your choices.
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Configure your migration project on the left and click Generate Checklist to get started.
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Migration Reference
Common Format Pitfalls
- WordPerfect: Styles and macros do not convert cleanly. Expect to rebuild templates manually. Footnotes often shift position.
- Lotus 1-2-3: Formulas using @ functions need manual mapping. Named ranges may be lost. Charts require full recreation.
- Old CAD files: Line weights and linetype scales change between versions. Custom fonts in drawings may substitute. XREF paths break.
- dBASE: Memo fields sometimes truncate. Index files (.ndx, .mdx) are not needed in modern systems but should be kept as reference.
Tool Comparison
| Tool | Best For | Cost | Batch |
|---|---|---|---|
| LibreOffice | Documents, spreadsheets | Free | Yes |
| Pandoc | Markdown-friendly docs | Free | Yes |
| AutoDWG | CAD file conversion | Paid | Yes |
| DBF Viewer Plus | dBASE / FoxPro | Paid | Yes |
| Corel WordPerfect | WP files (native) | Paid | Yes |
Troubleshooting Corrupted Files
- Try opening the file in the original software version if you can find it. Older versions sometimes read files that newer ones reject.
- Use a hex editor to check the file header. Corrupted headers can sometimes be repaired by copying from a known-good file of the same type.
- For partially readable files, export what you can in the oldest supported format, then convert that intermediate file.
- When files are critical and nothing works, consider a data recovery service. They have tools for reading damaged media and extracting raw data.
Before You Delete Originals
- Open every converted file and compare it against the original. Check formatting, formulas, and special characters.
- Verify that all files were converted. Count the source files and the converted files. The numbers should match.
- Keep the originals on a separate backup drive for at least 6 months. Label the drive clearly with the project name and date.
- Document what you did. Write down which tools you used, what settings you chose, and any issues you found. Future you will be grateful.
How This Works
This migration assistant generates a prioritized checklist based on your specific format combination and file volume. It follows a five-phase approach: assess what you have, back up everything, convert using the right tools, validate the results, and clean up.
The checklist adapts to your situation. A single WordPerfect letter gets a simpler plan than 500 Lotus spreadsheets with complex formulas. Priority concerns like formatting preservation or audit trails add relevant steps.
All project data stays in your browser using localStorage. Nothing is sent to any server. You can export your checklist as a JSON file to back it up or share it with a colleague. The print button gives you a clean paper copy for working at a desk.
This is a planning tool, not a converter. It tells you what to do and which tools to use. The actual conversion happens in the software you choose. Always test with a few files before committing to a full batch run.