ARCHIVED: How do I decode a file with an .hqx extension?

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A file with the .hqx extension has been encoded in BinHex, a file processing protocol common to Mac OS. Similar to UUencode and Base64, BinHex converts binary files (e.g., archives, applications, etc.) into ASCII (text) so they can be safely transferred over email, Usenet, FTP and the World Wide Web. It was specifically designed for the forked file structure of Mac OS.

To decode a BinHexed document in Mac OS, use StuffIt Expander. With System 7.0 or higher, drag and drop the file onto the StuffIt Expander icon and it will decode and, when necessary, decompress the file into a usable form. If dragging and dropping doesn't work, double click the StuffIt expander icon and select Expand from the File menu, and in the standard open dialog box that appears, choose the file you wish to convert.

In Mac OS, Netscape Navigator, Internet Explorer, Anarchie will automatically decode any file with the .hqx extension as long as StuffIt Expander is installed. Eudora and Fetch can decode files ending with .hqx even without StuffIt Expander.

With Windows, you can decode BinHexed documents using WinZip or the PC version of StuffIt Expander.

You can obtain StuffIt Expander or WinZip from most online archives. For more information, see the Knowledge Base entries ARCHIVED: What is StuffIt Expander, and where can I get it?, ARCHIVED: For Mac OS X, where can I download freeware, shareware, commercial software, and software updates? or ARCHIVED: For Microsoft Windows, how can I get freeware and shareware? StuffIt Expander for Mac OS is also included with Netscape Navigator 3.x and higher (including Communicator).