# Issues with getting raw data in SPSS

**URL:** <https://forum.ipums.org/t/issues-with-getting-raw-data-in-spss/2860>\
**Category:** General\
**Created:** [March 12, 2019, 3:15pm UTC](https://forum.ipums.org/t/issues-with-getting-raw-data-in-spss/2860 "2019-03-12T15:15:30Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Rachel\_Arendacs](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/34f0e0/32.png) [@Rachel\_Arendacs](https://forum.ipums.org/u/Rachel_Arendacs)\
**Post date:** [March 12, 2019, 3:15pm UTC](https://forum.ipums.org/t/issues-with-getting-raw-data-in-spss/2860/1 "2019-03-12T15:15:30Z")

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Hello,

I have extracted my data, unzipped the file, and have gotten the syntax open in SPSS. However, I keep getting error messages when typing in the location that file is saved in, which is on a file I created on my desktop. I have a mac and have exactly copied the location pathway and still cannot get the raw data to open. Any suggestions? I have watched the videos and followed the paper instructions.

Thank you!

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**Author:** ![JeffBloem](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.ipums.org/jeffbloem/32/40_2.png) [@JeffBloem](https://forum.ipums.org/u/JeffBloem)\
**Post date:** [March 12, 2019, 4:31pm UTC](https://forum.ipums.org/t/issues-with-getting-raw-data-in-spss/2860/2 "2019-03-12T16:31:28Z")

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I’ve just downloaded and opened your extract #1 in SPSS on my computer. So, it seems that whatever the issue is, it must be unique to your computer. Note that Mac computers often use different slashes than PCs (i.e., “/” vs. ""). This may be the source of the issue. If the problem persists, please feel free to email [ipums@umn.edu](mailto:ipums@umn.edu)directly and include a screen-shot of the edited SPSS syntax file you are using. We can then try to troubleshoot the issue in with better detail.