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Are SPSS Statistics files compatible between different versions?

Troubleshooting


Problem

Are SPSS Statistics files compatible between different versions?

Resolving The Problem

All versions of IBM SPSS Statistics application are compatible with the files written by prior versions.
- Any version of IBM SPSS Statistics can read the files written by prior versions.
- The SPSS Statistics data file format is unchanged for over 20 years and can be read by any version.
- The SPSS Statistics command syntax file format is text and can be read by any version.
- SPSS 16.0 introduced the Output Viewer file format. All versions of IBM SPSS Statistics read and write the new file format.
Caveats:
Newer releases of IBM SPSS Statistics reading files from older releases is always supported.  Older releases attempting to read files from newer releases may fail.
 
- IBM SPSS Statistics introduces new functionality with each release.  Running new command syntax in an older version fails. 
- IBM SPSS Statistics deprecates functionality too.  Running deprecated command syntax in a new version results in errors or warnings.
- Before SPSS 16.0, the Output Viewer file had a different structure and extension. The older file format is not supported in IBM SPSS Statistics.

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Historical Number

52796

Document Information

Modified date:
14 February 2022

UID

swg21480797

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