How to Convert WordStar Files to Plain Text (ASCII) and Microsoft Word

You have a bunch of old WordStar files from the 1980s. When you open one of these files in NotePad or Microsoft Word or some other modern word processing program, you see lot of gibberish:

  ma i rubbe hosin dow hi a 1 noon 
  shor broo
i th othe hand.

Typical Gibberish-Greek Contained in 1980s-era WordStar Files


Skip the Story and Go to the Instructions

You search the web for a simple and free solution to your problem of converting WordStar files to plain text files. You read the Wikipedia article on WordStar. You try the conversion program recommended by the UCLA Knowledge Base. You try add-ons converters to Microsoft Word. But nothing works.

Finally, you come across this WordStar discussion page on archiveteam.org:

Ancient Aliens Season 01-20 Complete -2009-2024... -

Academics have largely dismissed Ancient Aliens, pointing to "pseudoarchaeology" and confirmation bias. Critics argue that the show ignores indigenous explanations for ancient marvels. However, defenders note that the show explicitly states, "Is it possible?" — not "This is fact."

Regardless of one’s stance, the show’s legacy is undeniable. It has:

Ancient Aliens: A Comprehensive Overview of Seasons 1-20 (2009-2024)

Introduction

"Ancient Aliens" is a popular documentary-style television series that premiered in 2009 and has since become a staple of the History Channel's programming lineup. The show explores the fascinating topic of ancient civilizations and their potential connections to extraterrestrial life. Over the course of 20 seasons, the series has delved into various mysteries, legends, and archaeological discoveries, sparking intense debates and intriguing discussions among viewers. In this comprehensive overview, we'll explore the key themes, episodes, and developments in Seasons 1-20 of "Ancient Aliens."

Seasons 1-5 (2009-2010)

The early seasons of "Ancient Aliens" introduced viewers to the core concept of the show: that ancient civilizations may have been influenced or assisted by extraterrestrial beings. Some notable episodes from these seasons include:

Seasons 6-10 (2011-2014)

As the series progressed, it continued to explore various ancient cultures and their potential connections to extraterrestrial life. Notable episodes from these seasons include:

Seasons 11-15 (2015-2018)

The show continued to explore new themes and theories, including:

Seasons 16-20 (2019-2024)

The later seasons of "Ancient Aliens" have continued to push the boundaries of conventional history, exploring topics such as:

Conclusion

Over the course of 20 seasons, "Ancient Aliens" has established itself as a thought-provoking and engaging documentary series that challenges conventional views of history. While the show's theories and interpretations may be subject to debate, they have undoubtedly sparked a renewed interest in ancient civilizations and the possibility of extraterrestrial life. Whether you're a seasoned historian or simply a curious viewer, "Ancient Aliens" offers a fascinating perspective on the mysteries of the past.

Ancient Aliens is a long-running American television series that premiered in

and has since explored the "ancient astronaut theory," which suggests that extraterrestrial beings visited Earth in antiquity and influenced human development, technology, and culture. Over 20 seasons and more than 200 episodes

, the show has evolved from a single documentary special into a global cultural phenomenon. Series Overview & Format The series is produced by Prometheus Entertainment

and features a consistent non-critical, documentary-style format narrated by Robert Clotworthy

: Each episode frames its investigation with rhetorical questions (e.g., "Is it possible?") to examine ancient structures, religious texts, and archaeological findings as potential evidence of alien intervention. Core Influences : The show is heavily inspired by the works of Erich von Däniken Chariots of the Gods? Zecharia Sitchin Primary Contributor Giorgio A. Tsoukalos

serves as a consulting producer and is the most prominent featured guest, known for his frequent appearances and signature style. Season Breakdown (2009–2024) The series initially aired on before moving to

for several seasons, eventually returning to History in 2015. Year Range Notable Focus Areas Ancient Aliens Season 01-20 Complete -2009-2024...

The original two-hour special covering basic ancient astronaut theories. 2010–2011

Foundational topics like the pyramids, Chariots of the Gods, and Maya civilization. 2012–2015

Aired largely on H2; expanded into cryptids, conspiracy theories, and specific archaeological sites. 2015–2019

Return to History; increased focus on modern UFO sightings and "The Ultimate Evidence" recaps. 2020–2024

Later seasons explore current AI, whistleblowers, and deep-dives into figures like Jacques Vallée. Major Themes & Topics

The show covers a wide range of subjects through the lens of extraterrestrial influence:

I notice you've referenced what appears to be a title or filename for a TV series collection, but you haven't provided a specific instruction on what kind of "piece" you'd like me to generate.

Could you clarify? For example, would you like me to write:

Please provide more details so I can generate exactly what you need.

Ancient Aliens is a long-running documentary-style TV series exploring the hypothesis that extraterrestrials influenced human history, culture, and technology. Below is a concise, shareable post summarizing Seasons 1–20 (2009–2024), suitable for social media, a blog blurb, or a description.

Ancient Aliens — Seasons 1–20 (2009–2024) A 20-season dive into the most provocative theories connecting ancient civilizations to extraterrestrial visitors. From the first season’s investigations of archaeological anomalies to later episodes tracing UFO evidence across modern history, the series blends expert interviews, dramatic reenactments, and speculative interpretations of artifacts and myths. Expect deep dives into ancient monuments (Egyptian pyramids, Stonehenge), religious texts, unexplained engineering feats, alleged contact cases, and the cultural impact of the UFO phenomenon. Fans praise its gripping storytelling and imagination; critics call out sensationalism and weak sourcing. Whether you’re a believer, skeptic, or curious viewer, this wide-ranging series offers a compelling—if controversial—look at humanity’s quest to understand the unknown.

Key themes:

Watch if you like:

Quick facts:

Suggested post tags: #AncientAliens #AncientAstronauts #UFOs #History #Mysteries #Documentary

Short caption option: "Explore 20 seasons (2009–2024) of Ancient Aliens — where ancient mysteries meet extraterrestrial theories. Entertaining, controversial, and endlessly speculative."

Would you like a longer blog-style article, episode highlights, a season-by-season breakdown, or a social-ready graphic caption set?

(related search suggestions provided)

Ancient Aliens is a long-running documentary series that explores the "ancient astronaut theory," suggesting that extraterrestrial beings visited Earth in the distant past and influenced human history, technology, and religion. Series Overview & Production

Original Run: The series premiered on April 20, 2009, and has continued through 2024, with over 20 seasons produced. Producer: Produced for HISTORY by Prometheus Entertainment.

Key Personnel: The show was developed and executive produced by Kevin Burns. Frequent contributors and personalities include Giorgio Tsoukalos, David Childress, William Henry, and narrator Robert Clotworthy. Content & Availability Academics have largely dismissed Ancient Aliens , pointing

The Ancient Aliens series, which premiered on the History Channel in 2009, explores the "ancient astronaut theory"—the controversial idea that extraterrestrial beings visited Earth in the remote past and influenced human civilization. As of early 2024, the series completed its 20th season, which premiered on January 5, 2024, and concluded with its 20th episode on September 13, 2024. Series Overview (Seasons 1–20) Airing Timeline: 2009–2024.

Total Episodes (Est.): Over 250 episodes across 20 seasons, featuring recurring experts like Giorgio Tsoukalos, David Childress, and Erich von Däniken.

Core Themes: Each episode examines historical sites (e.g., Stonehenge, Puma Punku), religious texts, and myths to find evidence of advanced alien technology or genetic intervention. Major Season Highlights

Season 1 (2009–2010): Introduced fundamental theories regarding Vimanas (ancient flying machines) and the Nazca Lines.

Season 15 (2020): Covered diverse topics from the Men in Black to Skinwalker Ranch.

Season 19 (2023): Focused on "Top Ten" countdowns, including the most mysterious islands and alien petroglyphs.

Season 20 (2024): Explored modern-day disclosures and ancient mysteries like: The Top Ten Alien Influencers (Ep 1) Secrets of the Sumerians (Ep 7) The Whistleblowers (Ep 13) Resurrecting Puma Punku (Ep 20). Where to Watch

The complete collection is available across various platforms, though availability may vary by region:

The Mysterious World of Ancient Aliens: A Journey Through 20 Seasons

For over two decades, the Ancient Aliens series has captivated audiences worldwide with its intriguing exploration of the possibility of extraterrestrial life and its influence on human history. From 2009 to 2024, the show has taken viewers on a thrilling journey through time, examining the mysteries of the past and the potential connections to alien civilizations. In this blog post, we'll take a comprehensive look at the complete seasons of Ancient Aliens, covering its evolution, key episodes, and the most fascinating theories.

The Early Years (Seasons 1-5, 2009-2013)

The first season of Ancient Aliens premiered in 2009, introducing viewers to the concept of ancient astronauts and their potential impact on human history. The initial episodes focused on exploring the myths and legends of ancient civilizations, such as the Sumerians, Egyptians, and Greeks, and how they might be connected to extraterrestrial beings.

As the series progressed, it delved deeper into the subject, examining the Nazca Lines, the Great Pyramid of Giza, and the mysterious city of Petra. The early seasons featured a range of experts, including Giorgio Tsoukalos, Erich von Däniken, and David Childress, who presented their theories on the possible connections between ancient civilizations and alien life.

The Golden Era (Seasons 6-10, 2014-2016)

The mid-series episodes saw a surge in popularity, with the show tackling more complex and intriguing topics. Season 6, for example, explored the possibility of ancient alien technology, including the Antikythera mechanism and the mysterious Baghdad Battery.

Season 7 took viewers to the Americas, examining the ancient civilizations of the Maya, Aztecs, and Incas, and their potential connections to extraterrestrial beings. The show also explored the mysterious geoglyphs of the Nazca Desert and the ancient city of Teotihuacan.

The Latest Developments (Seasons 11-20, 2017-2024)

The later seasons of Ancient Aliens continued to push the boundaries of the ancient astronaut theory, examining new evidence and presenting fresh perspectives. Season 11, for example, explored the possibility of ancient alien contact in the ancient Middle East, while Season 12 delved into the mysteries of the ancient city of Göbekli Tepe.

In recent seasons, the show has continued to explore new topics, including the potential connections between ancient aliens and modern technology. Season 19, for example, examined the possibility of ancient alien influence on modern aviation, while Season 20 looked at the potential for ancient alien technology to explain modern phenomena such as UFO sightings.

Key Episodes and Theories

Throughout its 20-season run, Ancient Aliens has presented a wide range of fascinating episodes and theories. Some of the most notable include: Seasons 6-10 (2011-2014) As the series progressed, it

Conclusion

The Ancient Aliens series has been a wild ride, taking viewers on a journey through time and exploring the mysteries of the past. With its 20-season run, the show has established itself as a leading authority on the ancient astronaut theory, presenting a wide range of fascinating episodes and theories.

Whether you're a believer or a skeptic, Ancient Aliens is sure to captivate and intrigue. So, if you're ready to explore the unknown and challenge your perceptions of history, join the journey and discover the mysteries of Ancient Aliens.

Season List:

Where to Watch:

You can stream Ancient Aliens on various platforms, including:

Join the Conversation:

Share your thoughts on Ancient Aliens and the ancient astronaut theory in the comments below. Do you believe that extraterrestrial beings have influenced human history? Let us know!

Ancient Aliens series, which began in 2009, reached its 20th season in 2024. While the show has a loyal fanbase, critical reception remains deeply divided between those who enjoy it as speculative entertainment and those who criticize its lack of scientific evidence. Series Overview & Critical Consensus Pseudo-Archaeology Criticisms

: Major criticisms center on the show's tendency to downplay the genuine accomplishments of ancient cultures, often suggesting they were impossible without extraterrestrial help—a claim many archaeologists find insulting and baseless. Scientific Accuracy

: Reviewers frequently point out that the series relies on a small circle of "experts" with limited credentials, often ignoring mainstream historical and scientific research. Evolution of Content

: Over 20 seasons, the show has shifted from strictly "ancient astronaut" theories to broader topics, including "killer robots" and pseudo-Gnostic searches for higher powers, leading some to call it "mission creep". Production Style

: Earlier seasons are often preferred for their focus on classic theories, while later seasons have been noted for a heavier reliance on stock footage and talking-head interviews. Google Play Viewer Perspectives Religious & Spiritual Appeal

: Some viewers appreciate the show for not "trashing" religion, instead viewing ancient scriptures as historical records of possible alien contact. Entertainment Value

: For many, the appeal lies in its "what if" scenarios and its ability to challenge conventional thinking, regardless of whether the theories are strictly "true". Google Play Availability & Latest Seasons Recent Seasons

: Season 20 was released in September 2024, and the series has continued into Season 21 (released November 2025) and Season 22. : The complete series is widely available on platforms like History Channel Amazon Prime Video Google Play Review of Ancient Aliens S13E13 "The Artificial Human"

Subject: Media Analysis and Franchise Report: Ancient Aliens (Seasons 1–20, 2009–2024)

If you are buying the Complete 2009-2024 collection, here are the ten episodes you cannot skip:

Owning or streaming Ancient Aliens Season 01-20 Complete (2009-2024) offers unique advantages:

When the History Channel premiered Ancient Alions (a common misspelling that fans still search for today) on April 20, 2009, no one predicted its longevity. The premiere episode, “The Evidence,” laid the groundwork for everything that followed.

Season 1 introduced the core premise: that extraterrestrial beings visited Earth in the distant past, influencing everything from architecture to genetics. The pilot focused on the work of Erich von Däniken, author of Chariots of the Gods? Key topics included:

Why Season 1 is essential: It is raw, focused, and less reliant on the "what if" speculation of later seasons. It established the “Ancient Astronaut Theory” as a legitimate question, separating it from simple science fiction.

[Optional geek explanation: WordStar encodes the last character of each word by setting the high-order bit of the binary character representation. The program simply resets the high-order bit of all characters in the file, changing the goofy characters into normal ones.]

You install Perl on your computer and you try out the script. It works! The program reads the WordStar file named in.ws, converts the Greek-like characters to ordinary text, and writes out a new file, out.txt in ordinary plain text format, which you can read into NotePad, Microsoft Word, or practically any modern program.

But you have to modify the file names inside the script (in.ws and out.txt) for each file conversion. You want to automate the process of converting lots of WordStar files. But you don't know anything about Perl programming. You ask your office co-worker who knows Perl to modify the script to make it do what you want. Here's what you get:

opendir my $dir, "." or die "Cannot open directory: $!";
my @files = readdir $dir;
closedir $dir;

foreach $file (@files) {
    unless (($file =~ /^[A-Za-z0-9_\s\-]*$/) && (-f $file)) {
        print "  Skipped $file\n";
        next;
    }
    open OUTFILE, ">$file.txt";
    open INFILE, "<$file";
    while (<INFILE>)
    {
        tr [\200-\377] [\000-\177];
        print OUTFILE $_;
    }
    close INFILE;
    close OUTFILE;
    print "  Read $file, wrote $file.txt ...\n";
}
sleep (5);


The program looks at all the files in the same directory where the program resides. If a file name consists of only letters, numerals, underscores, hyphens, and space characters, it assumes that it's a WordStar file; it converts the file to plain text and writes it out as a new file with ".txt" appended to the file name. It leaves the original WordStar file unchanged.

The program ignores any file whose name contains any other characters, such as the period character in an extension like .doc or .jpg. If you have a WordStar file named with an extension such as MYPAPER.783, you'll first need to rename it (or copy it to a new file) and use a new name such as MYPAPER783 or MYPAPER 783 (with a space replacing the dot). 



Instructions for Converting WordStar Files to Text

First of all, you need to have the Perl computer language installed on your computer. If you're working on a Mac or Unix/Linux system, you're in luck because Perl comes pre-installed. (If you're using Linux, see Note 4 below.)

If you're working on Windows, you can download and install Perl for free from perl.org:

Perl - Download website: https://www.perl.org/get.html      (Not necessary for Mac or Unix/Linux)

Scroll down to find your computer operating system. For Windows, you're offered different versions of Perl. I used the first one, ActiveState Perl. Click the download button and follow the instructions to download and install Perl.

After Perl is installed, you need to put a small program called convert.pl in the directory containing your old WordStar file. You can either download the from this website or you can create the file yourself (open a text editor such as Notepad, copy the text below, paste it into your text editor, and save the file under the name convert.pl). 

To download from this website:

1. Click the following download link: convert.txt
2. Save the file
3. Rename the file to "convert.pl" (change the "txt" to "pl" in the file name)
4. Copy the file to each directory containing WordStar files

OR use a text editor to create a text file named convert.pl containing the following text:

opendir my $dir, "." or die "Cannot open directory: $!";
my @files = readdir $dir;
closedir $dir;

foreach $file (@files) {
    unless (($file =~ /^[A-Za-z0-9_\s\-]*$/) && (-f $file)) {
        print "  Skipped $file\n";
        next;
    }
    open OUTFILE, ">$file.txt";
    open INFILE, "<$file";
    while (<INFILE>)
    {
        tr [\200-\377] [\000-\177];
        print OUTFILE $_;
    }
    close INFILE;
    close OUTFILE;
    print "  Read $file, wrote $file.txt ...\n";
}
sleep (5);


In a file browser, go to the WordStar directory and run the convert.pl program (in Windows, double-click the icon in the folder). Voila! The program converts your WordStar files to plain text and writes them out as new files in the same directory, with ".txt" appended to the file name. You can open these files in Microsoft Word and most other programs.

This is what you can expect to see when you run the convert.pl program:

WordStar to Text Conversion Directory   WordStar to Text Conversion Report

Important Notes

Note 1: The program only converts files whose names contain only letters, numbers, underscores, hyphens, and space characters. If you have a WordStar file named with an extension such as MYPAPER.783, you'll first need to rename it or copy it to a new file and choose a new name without using the dot character, for example, MYPAPER783 or MYPAPER 783 (with a space replacing the dot).

Note 2: The convert.pl program leaves your original WordStar files unchanged. However, when it writes out the filename.txt file, it doesn't check to see if there's an existing file of the same name. It simply overwrites the existing file. Before you run the convert.pl program, make sure you don't have any existing .txt files that you would mind losing.

Note 3: On my Windows 10 PC, the first time I double-clicked the convert.pl icon, Windows asked me which program I wanted to use to open the file, and offered several choices. I clicked on "Perl Command Line Interpreter", and then the program ran in the wrong directory (the Perl installation directory). This had no effect, because it simply skipped all the files (they all had file name extensions). After that, double-clicking the icon always worked on the local directory, as it should.

Note 4: For Linux (operating system) users, I got the following note from a reader.

The Perl script doesn't run as-is on Unix-like systems when one double-clicks on the icon.  It's an easy fix, though. Add this line to the top of the file:

#!/usr/bin/perl

Perl treats it as a comment and ignores it, but the Bash shell in Linux sees the #! in the first two bytes and then knows that the path to the program that will run the executable script follows on the same line.  Microsoft Windows does it by filename extension, but Unix/Linux doesn't give a whit about filename extensions when it comes to deciding what interpreter to use: It's all in the text that follows the "hash-bang" (#!).

If the user knows that their Perl interpreter is located elsewhere, in a non-standard location or with a different name, they're probably savvy enough to modify the path in the Perl script as needed.  The code will still run fine on Windows systems with the modification.


2016 Gray Chang
Thanks to Dan White (no relation to Moscone/Milk figure) for Perl programming assistance
Thanks to Andrew Poth for Note 4 about Linux