CONVERTING COMMODORE 64 BASIC PROGRAMS TO QBASIC-MSDOS PROGRAMS.
================================================================
Not very well written by Peter Weighill.


1. Transfering the file from c64 to dos.

There are a few ways for actually transfering the data from c64 to dos,
but I'll leave that part upto you. (x1541 program, big blue reader, modem, ..)
What I will explain is the other steps require to port the program across.

Firstly you will need a uncoded listing of the c64 program. This is because
basic codes up the keywords to save memory and increase execution speed, but
this means that a more complicated conversion program would be needed.

To get around this load your program on the c64 and type the following.
OPEN2,8,2,"TEXTFILE,S,W"
CMD2:LIST
CLOSE2

Now transfer the file you have just created over to your pc.

Next you will need to convert the petscii text to ascii text. To do this
use the supplied CBM2IBM.BAS program in qbasic.

Now you can use this finally converted file in qbasic. Your program may work
correctly straight away but this is very unlikly.

You will probably need to do the following to your program to make it work.

1. Include spaces between the basic keywords in not there already since
   qbasic requires these spaces.
2. Change any PRINT CHR$(147) to CLS
   and alter any colour changes, cursor movements, graphics characters
   until you are satisfied with the results.
3. Change all POKE's into whatever is required since the pokes will not work.
   eg poke646,1 -> color 1

You may then want to use REMLINE.BAS as supplied with Qbasic on your program
to remove unwanted line numbers, and then reorganise your program.
(eg make instructions a separate subroutine)

You may also want to make your program use the whole of the 80-column display.


TIPS:
a. A printout of the original program with graphics characters and control 
   codes displayed can be VERY useful while converting your program.
b. Don't use REMLINE.BAS until after you have got a working version of your
   program.
c. Keep backups when you make important changes to the program.
d. Try to convert a simple program first before attempting a difficult one.
e. Programs with lots of graphics will be difficult to convert.