Is there a QBasic Decompiler

[IanGlinka]

Is there any way to decompile a QBasic .exe file to it's original .bas source?

I have a bunch of programs that were compiled and placed on a network drive for use, while the source codes were on my local hard drive (don't ask me why). Of course, my hard drive stopped spinning up the other day, and now if I ever need to make a program modification, it looks like I'm going to have to start completely over on the program, which just might result in my coming into the office one way with a ski mask and some sort of explosive device.

Basically, is there any way to reverse compile a QBasic program? How?

Thanks!!
Ian

 

[brisray]

Sorry Ian, but as far as I'm aware there is no utility to do this. The best you can hope for is to get the program into assembler using a disassembler.

If there is such a piece of software then it is extremely well hidden.

Ray

 

[qbasicking]

goto

http://www.qbasic.com

goto either utilities or compilers, I'm not sure where it is. I've never gotten it to work, but some people says that is does.

 

[Alt255]

Recovery of the hard drive might be an option. Try

http://www.ontrack.com.

Data recovery can be very expensive, so be prepared to byte the bullet.

If the drive has simply stopped spinning up, you might be able to fix it yourself (or find somebody brave enough to risk it). Buy an identical hard drive, find the cleanest environment at your disposal, open the drives, place the media from the malfunctioning drive in the new one, tighten down the screws and connect the cables. You might be surprized at the results (one way or another).

Try this after you have decided to skip the professional data recovery services. If you make the smallest mistake, the cost of recovery will be even higher.

I mention this course of action as a common-sense alternative to decompiling your QB programs (I don't think you will be very satisfied with the decompiled code).

 

[boolsifter]

QBasic is to high level a language to decompile from machine. There are a million different ways to do the same thing in QB, and the decompiler has no way of knowing what methoud was used. In fact, somthing as simple as an IF block would be decompiled as:

If Condition Then Goto B
A:
Goto D
If Condition Then Goto C
B:
Goto D
If Condition Then Goto D
C:
Goto D
D:

... pretty nasty.

 

[MiggyD]

This is a hard lesson about backing up the hd indeed.

Have you checked around for any disks that may still have the source codes? Or even better a backup for drive?

While your at it, make copies of the exe's on the server (just incase).

The alternative is as ALT255 suggested. It sounds like a mechanical problem.
--MiggyD