Amstrad PCW
Masterfile
8000
Disc & File Conversions
to PC or Mac
by LuxSoft of Luxulyan
the
original independent professional
& confidential disc conversion service
Please click here for other types of disc conversions we can do
Amstrad PCW Masterfile 8000 (MF 8000) conversions:
PC's tend not to like PCW 3" discs in their drives!
The Masterfile 8000 database program for the PCW ("MF8000") was a very easy to use so popular database program. As such it was used extensively not only by home enthusiasts but also by small businesses too. However, like with so many other PCW products, sales dried up so attention was switched to a PC version which, though good, could not compete against the likes of Microsoft in the global marketplace.
The good news is that data from the PCW version can be converted to PC for use by programs like Excel, Access, Lotus Approach, Microsoft Works and many more. Yes, we know that there's a bug in the Masterfile 8000 program which can make life very difficult if you try it yourself but we've cracked it!
The not such good news is that because each file conversion is very laborious and time consuming (each file has to be converted individually through a three or four stage process using a PCW as well as a PC), our charges are a little higher than for LocoFile discs ... but still a lot cheaper than re-typing all the data!
Please also note that where relational databases have been used (eg a main database of invoices uses a customer code to access a separate database of customers in order to display their full names and addresses), MF8000 cannot export this relationship. The constituent databases have to be exported separately and, if a PC database program is to be used, the relationships re-created.
Our conversion service is fully confidential and the results are suitable for the vast majority of DOS and Windows-based software. Full post-transfer support comes in the form of a comprehensive step by step instruction & tips sheet plus free support by phone or e-mail.
Our conversion system will accept Masterfile8000 .MFC and .MFP files on:
single and double density CF2 3" discs from the PCW 8256, 8512 and 9512
3.5" discs (single, double and high density) from all flavours of PCW, be they 9256, 9512+ or 10, which had 3.5" disc drives from the outset, or older 8256/8512/9512 models which have been fitted with replacement drives.
PC Formats available for the transferred files
Masterfile Databases are normally converted to the 'Comma Separated Variable' (CSV) type of text file which can be very quickly and simply read by most PC database or spreadsheet programs including:
Microsoft Works
Microsoft Excel
Microsft Access
Lotus 123
Lotus Approach
In view of the very considerable work involved, these discs are charged on a sliding scale according to the number of files involved:
The minimum charge per disc is £10 which covers the first two files on the disc, irrespective of their size.
Files 3-5 on a disc are £1.50 each
Files 6-10 on a disc are £1.00 each
Files 11-15 on a disc are 80p each
For over this number, please call or e-mail for a quote.
The above all-inclusive prices apply to results sent anywhere in the world by e-mail and CD's or floppies mailed to UK destinations. For CD's to Europe (incl Republic of Ireland), there is an additional postal charge of 50p and to non-Europe of £1.50
The procedure for sending us discs:
If you have access
to a working PCW, it's best to make a copy of each of the discs
you wish to be converted and
send us the copies; you keep the originals.
(If you do not know how to copy discs using
DISCKIT, please click here
for detailed instructions).
If you don't have a working PCW or the discs won't copy properly
due to disc errors, please send us the originals.
Please clearly number the discs
Pack up the discs securely in an anti-static bag or wrap them in kitchen towel within a small cardboard container like a ribbon box .... then pop the pack in a "Jiffy" padded bag. Some CF2 discs were supplied in clear Perspex cases - please do NOT send these cases as they can shatter in the post and damage the discs!
Please also include a letter which:
gives your name, address, telephone number & e-mail address (if you have one)
says if you want the original discs back or not. If you do, please enclose a self-adhesive address label
notes any files you do NOT want converted eg the tutorial databases
the name of the PC Database or Spreadsheet program you intend to use.
indicates whether or not you have on your computer (a) a floppy disc drive (b) a CD ROM drive and (c) the WinZip file compression program.
Please do NOT send
any money at this stage. You will be invoiced upon completion
and payment methods include cheque and 
.
Post the package to us at :
LuxSoft
Peacehaven
New Road
St Blazey
Par PL24 2SB
Please note that delays in receipt may result from use of Recorded Delivery or Registered Mail as the post arrives outside office hours.
By sending us your discs, you are deemed to have accepted the Terms & Conditions of our service.
What we then do:
If we encounter any reading problems with the discs because they have become corrupted, we will spend up to 20 minutes per disc free of charge trying to repair it so as to retrieve as much as possible of the data. If this fails, we will contact you by telephone or e-mail to discuss options and the likely cost of further retrieval efforts.
The files are converted to your chosen PC format and the results either e-mailed to you or posted using high density PC floppy disc(s) or CD as appropriate.
The results are accompanied by an invoice and a set of step-by-step instructions and useful tips. These describe in simple terms not only how to open and save the files in your PC's spreadsheet or database but also contain advice and tips on re-formatting files.
Unlike
other companies, we do NOT ask for payment in advance but we do ask
for prompt settlement of the invoice. The invoice will detail
payment options which now include
For the security of your data, your original PCW discs (if they are still required) are returned to you under separate cover after your payment has been received and, if by cheque, this has cleared through the bank. Due to high business bank charges and distance from the bank, bank clearance may on occasions take up to four weeks.
"Clinging to the trailing edge of technology"
Tel (01726) 81 2257 - Fax 087 0051 7259
e-mail malc@luxsoft.demon.co.uk
Established 1986 - This page last amended 3rd January 2009
All material Copyright LuxSoft
2000-2009
No part of this page may be copied, adapted or reproduced without
permission.
Other types of disc conversions we can do
