In SPSS for Windows, how can I read an SPSS command file and a data file written for SPSS on Unix?
In Windows, to read an SPSS command file and a data file written for SPSS on Unix, first transfer the data file and SPSS command file to your Windows computer. For help transferring files, see What is FTP, and how do I use it to transfer files? and What is SFTP, and how do I use it to transfer files?
Launch SPSS for Windows. You do not have to rewrite your commands or
redefine your variables; SPSS for Windows can read SPSS files written
in Unix. To open a syntax window in SPSS for Windows, click
File, then Open, and then Syntax. Specify
your command filename.
The data can be embedded in the command file (with BEGIN
DATA/END DATA) or in a separate file identified with
FILE= on the DATA LIST, just as in SPSS for
Unix. The SPSS
Base User's Guide documents how to do this with the menus and
dialog boxes.
Syntax is better documented in the SPSS
Command Syntax Reference. If you don't already have an existing
file with the DATA LIST and other data-description
commands, you can type it into a syntax window and save it for future
use.
For information about where to find statistical and mathematical software manuals at Indiana University Bloomington and at IUPUI, see Software Manuals and Documents.
For more about statistical and mathematical software, email the UITS Stat/Math Center, visit the center's web page, or phone 812-855-4724 (IUB) or 317-278-4740 (IUPUI). The center is located in Bloomington at 410 N. Park Avenue, and is open for consultation by appointment Monday-Friday 9am-5pm.
Last modified on April 27, 2011.
