Utility to extract first X bytes from file

[carlgar]

I have a problem file that I need to provide the first 50 to 60K bytes to Sage support. The problem file is over 6 gig as is. I had been using a free hex editor to extract the first 50 to 60K. It appears that a file size limitation on the free version prevents me from using this method. I am looking for a utility such as the unix like head program that will run on Windows XP or Vista. I have spent a lot of time seaching for it and it does appear to be part of a unix utility package. However, every lead that looks good has failed for one reason or another. Can anyone point me to such a utility? I would prefer a simple head.exe type executable but will look at anything at this point.
TIA

[cslatt]

Head for win32 in included in these utilities:
http://www.tedfelix.com/SupaSoft/wuup.htm

If you want just head.exe, I've zipped it up and put it up here for you:
http://mizook.com/temp/head.zip

[carlgar]

Thanks cslatt, I finally got it to work, but it appears to be for text files only. I am looking for a version that works with binary files. The byte count is usually specified with the -c option.

[sleonard]

You could try using WinRAR to archive the file. It has the ability to archive a single large file to multiple pieces of a size that you set. Afterwards send them only the first piece.

Scott

[carlgar]

Winzip has the same feature, but it needs all of the pieces to unzip the file correctly. Does WinRAR have the same restriction? Have you been able to extract the first piece?

[sleonard]

I believe WinRAR can extract even if all the pieces are not present. I'm pretty sure that I saw this method recomended by Opus in the past.

Scott

[RobJ]

Can you use VideoRedo, and give them just the first minute or 10 seconds?

[carlgar]

Originally Posted by sleonard

I believe WinRAR can extract even if all the pieces are not present. I'm pretty sure that I saw this method recomended by Opus in the past.

Scott

I attempted to use WinRAR which took 2 hours to compress and split the file. I then copied just the first part to a new directory and attemped to uncompress it. I got a message that it needed part2. I see no sign that it was able to extract the first part only error messages about the required volume is absent and the file is corrupt.

RobJ,
I do think I can use a video editor because they may modify the file. The file is known to have PTS errors, that is why support wants to see it.

[GKusnick]

Here's a tool Support sent me a while back:

http://download.sage.tv/users/qian/FileCutter.zip

[carlgar]

Thank You Greg, just what I was looking for. I had asked support for such a utility but was referred to the head program instead.